I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. % 

I — — ^ 

g Chap 

I She/f .._.._,.rt-?:--- 



UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. \ 



1 



C 0 ^" TAIK I G laMBW*""'^ 

INSTRUCTIONS ^ AND Pp AYF.ILS — 



CONFESSION, COMMUNION, AND CONPIEMATION. 

tas:e>'' peiincipally from the vtores of 

y 

REV. JOHN GOTHER. 

ALSO, 

PRAYEKS AT MASS AND THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 

TO WHICH IS SUEJOIXED 

A DEVOUT PARAPHRASE 



SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS, 

BY 

REV. JONATHAN FURLONG. 



My heart grcvv- warm -pritliin me ; and in my meditation a fire shall flame 
out."' — Psalm xxxvlii. 4. 



BOSTON: 
PUBLISHED BY PATRICK DONAHOE, 



24 FP.ANSLIN* Street. 
1 8 5 5. 



The Library 

OF CONGRBSS I 

I 

WASHIKOltMl 1,^ 



Entered, according to Act of Congress, in the year 18.>4, by 
JONATHAN rUELOXG, 
In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the District of Massachusetts, 



STEREOTYPED AT THE 
BOSTON STEREOTVPi: FOUNDRY. 



PREFACE. 



This Mis cell axy is intended merely for the convemence ' 
of those Tvh.0 reside some distance from a cliiircli, and to 
vrhom a larger prayer book Y\-ould be inconvenient to bring 
■with. them. It is vrell known that many leave their prayer 
books at home, when coming to Mass, rather than be encum- 
bered with their bulk. It is hoped that the convenient size 
of this Miscellany will go some way to remedy the inconven- 
ience complained of. The wish to compress much matter of 
the highest importance in the smallest possible space accounts 
for the absence of those long preliminary articles commonly 
found in other prayer books. 

(3) 



CONTENTS. 



PAGE 

Prayers, 5 

Instructions and Devotions for Confession, . 8 
Instructions and Devotions for Communion, . 50 
A Prayer in Time of an Indulgence, . , .83 
Litany of the blessed Sacrament, ... 88 
Instructions and Devotions for Confirmation, . 95 
Litany of the Most Holy Name of Jesus, . . 110 
Litany of the Blessed Virgin Mary, . . .114 

Litany for Sunday, 117 

Prayer to be said by those who carry about 

them an Agnus Dei, 124 

Paraphrase on the Seven Penitential Psalms, 125 

Prayers before Mass, 150 

Prayers after Mass, . 156 

Instructions for those -who are to serve Mass, 163 

Manner of serving at Mass, 166 

The Ordinary of Mass, ...... 171 

The Stations of the Cross, 207 




PRAYEES. 



THE LORD'S PRAYER. 

_ Father, vrbo art in Heaven, 

nallowedbeThynarae: Thy 
:-_ . kingdom come : Thy will be 

F'ijr-r '^-^ ' ^^'^^^ as it is in Heav- 

^ - - ^\sQ us this day our 

'aiiy bread ; and forgive us 
I'Ur trespasses as we ^ovgwQ 
- :nem that trespass against us ; 
and lead us not into temptation, but deliver us 
from evil. Amen. 

1 ^ (5) 



6 



PRAYERS. 



THE ANGELICAL SALUTATION. 

Hail Mary, full of grace : the Lord is with 
thee. Blessed art thou amongst women, and bless- 
ed is the fruit of thy womb, Jesus. Holy Mary, 
Mother of God, pray for us sinners now and at 
the hour of our death. Amen. 

' THE apostles' CREED. 

I believe in God, The Father Almighty, Crea- 
tor of Heaven and Earth ; and in Jesus Christ, His 
only Son, our Lord, who was conceived by the 
Holy Ghost, and was born of The Virgin Mary ; 
who was crucified, who died, and was buried ; 
who arose the third day from the dead, ascended 
into Heaven, and sitteth at the right hand of 
God, The Father Almighty, from whence He shall 
come to judge the living and the dead. I believe 
in The Holy Ghost, The Holy Catholic Church, The 
Communion of Saints, The Forgiveness of Sins, 
The Resurrection of the Body, and The Life Ever- 
lasting. Amen. 

the GENERAL CONFESSION. 

I confess to The Almighty God, to The Blessed 
Mary ever Virgin, to The Blessed Michael The 
Archangel, to The Blessed John The Baptist, to The 
Holy Apostles Peter and Paul, and to all the 
Saints, that I have sinned exceedingly in thought, 
word, and deed, through rny fault, through my 
fault, through my exceeding great fault. 



PRAYERS. 



7 



Therefore I beseech The Blessed Mary ever 
Vh'gin, The Blessed i\Iichael The Archangel, The 
Blessed John The Baptist, The Holy Apostles Peter 
and Paul, and all the Saints, to pray to The Lord 
our God for me. 

May The Almighty God have mercy on me, 
forgive me my sins, and bring me to everlasting 
life. Amen. 

May The Almighty and Merciful Lord grant 
me pardon, absolution, and remission of all my 
sins. Amen. 

GRACE BEFORE MEALS. 

Bless US, O Lord, and these Thy gifts, which 
we are about to receive, through Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 

GRACE AFTER MEALS. 

We thank Thee, Almighty God, for these and 
all Thy other favors : who livest and reignest 
world witiout end. Amen. 

May the souls of the Faithful, through the 
mercy of God, rest in peace. Ainen. 

On taking the holy v/ater, say, — 

" Sprinkle me, O Lord, and I shall be cleansed ; 
wash me and I shall l3e made whiter than snow." 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 

FOR 

CONFESSION AND COMMUNION. 



All v/ho make themselves acquainted Avith the In- 
structions, and familiar with the Prayers contained in this 
book, go very far on the road to Salvation. 

N order to prepare yourself 
to make A Good Confession, 
endeavor, in the first place, 
■0 recommend the matter 
earnestly to God, and for 
some days beforehand fre- 
quently and fervently beg 
grace and assistance ; and 
this more especially if you have for a long time 
lived in a habit of sin ; in which case it is most 
proper to prepare yourself by a spiritual retreat 
of some days ; during which time you may seri- 
ously enter into yourself, and perform the ten med- 
itations from St. Francis de Sales (as in the Gar- 
den of the Soul), or such like devotions, by which 
you may be sufficiently disposed for so great a 
work ; which otherwise, it is to be feared, might 
be ill done by being done too hastily. 

(8) 




OSTEUCTIONS A:;D DEVOTIO^^S, ETC. 



9 



God, Who wills not the death, hot the repentance of a 
sinner, has. in The Sacrament of Penance, mercifully pro- 
vided Christians with the means whereby they may ohtain 
pardon of their sins, and be again restored to the favor of 
their Heavenly Father, which they had forfeited by their 
oifences. So that, whoever is conscious to himself of hav-^ 
ing provoked the anger of God by his sins, ought diligently 
to apply himself to seek a reconciliation vv-ith Him in the 
manner Himself has commanded. But then it ought to 
be his principal care sincerely to perform all that is required 
of him., with a seriousness proportioned to the greatness of 
the work he is engaged in ; ever remembering that as 
mercy and pardon is promised to those vrho perform it 
worthily, so nothing less than a ' nrse is pronounced 
against all those that do it ne_ . _ I: being, therefore, 

a matter of the deepest imporiau'.e io perform so great a 
duty weli, I presume it will not be deemed An Unaccept- 
able Charity to give the sinner assistance and encour- 
agement ; to take him, as it were, by the hand and lead him 
through every part of this great undertaking. But then it 
must be permitted me, for the sake of such as are ignorant, 
to explain some points by way of Question and Answer. 

Q. How many parts has The Sacrament of 
Penance ? 

A. Three: Contrition of heart, Confession of the mouth, 
and Satisfaction in works: therefore, every sinner who de- 
sires to obtain pardon of his sins must, in the first phice, 
be heartily sorry for them, then confess them, and after- 
wards perform what is enjoined him by the Priest, in testi- 
mony of his sorrovv-. and to make some satisfaction to The 
Divine Justice for his orfences. 

0. What is the first thing required of a sinner 
vrho snicerely desires to acquit himself worthily 
of his duty and obtain pardon of his sins ? 

A. To retire in private, and implore the assistance of 
Heaven in the following manner: — 



10 INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



PROTESTATION. 

God, The Searcher of hearts, 
behold I here declare in Thy 
I Presence that what I now 

l' design is sincerely for the 

[ honor of Thy Name, and be- 

cause I heartily desire to be 
^ - delivered from the guilt of my 

"""-^^^^^^^^^ sins : therefore I come to 
This Sacrament of Penance, that, complying with 
Thy Holy Institution, I may obtain Thy Blessing 
and Pardon as Thou hast promised ; may Thy Floly 
Grace assist me for the performing this great duty 
well, as it is Thy Pvlercy w^hich has called me to it. 

Q. After this how must he proceed ? 

A. He must then prepare for the first part, viz., Contri- 
tion. And as a sinner cannot well conceive a true and sincere 
sorrow for his sins unless he first knows what they are, 
therefore, after he has made his protestation, he must then 
apply himself to the examination of his conscience, in order 
to discover the particulars wherein he has offended' God, 
and conceive such a true sorrow for them as may be avail- 
able to obtain pardon. 

Q. How must he make a good examination ? 

A. Let him begin it with prayer : for, as the seeing our 
own failings is a point of the utmost concern, so it is also 
a task of the greatest difficulty ; and if not assisted by the 
light of God's grace I fear he will deceive himself and be 
subject to many delusions, by sometimes mistaking trivial 
for great sins, and at other times overlooking his greatest 
sins as if they were of little or no consequence. There ^ 
being no remedy for this natural blindness but the light of 
Heaven, that sinner must be to the last degree presumptu- 
ous who begins his examen before he has implored help 
and direction from above, which may be done thus : — 



FOR CONFESSION. 



11 



A PRAYER BEFORE EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE. 

%j r-^^^W=^ AM perfectly sensible, O my 
" God, that I have many ways 

offended Thy Divine Majesty 
r " uid provoked Thy Wrath by 

: ^ - rny sins ; and that, if I obtain 

-ff I j'lM^^B ^^'^^ pardon, I shall be cast out 
I' f^^^^ of Thy sight forever. T desire, 
4^ therefore, at present to call 
myself to i-ii uocount, and look into all the sins 
whereby I have displeased Thee : but, O my God, 
how miserably shall I deceive myself if Thou assist 
me not in this v/ork by Thy Heavenly Light. Grant 
me therefore at present Thy Grace, whereby I 
may discover ail my sins ; for I know nothing is 
hidden from Thy Sight. But I confess myself in 
the dark as to my own failings ; my passions blind 
me, self-love flatters me, presumption deludes me ; 
and though I have many sins which stare m.e in 
the face and cannot be hidden, yet how many too 
are there quite concealed from me ! But discover 
even those to me, O Lord ; enlighten my darkness, 
cure my blindness, and remove e\evy yell that 
hides my sins from me, that I may be no longer 
a secret to myself nor a stranger to my own fail- 
ings, nor ever flatter myself with the thoughts of 
having repented, and at the same time nourish 
folly and vice v/ithin my breast. 

Come, O Holy Ghost, and by Thy Divine Light 
illumine my understanding, that I may have a per- 
fect view of all my sins, and that, sincerely re- 
penting of them, I may be again received into 
Thy Favor. 



12 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



Instruc. — Having thus implored the Divine Assistance 
the sinner must turn his thoughts to the making the ex- 
amination of his conscience in as strict and serious a man- 
ner as if he were within a few hours to appear before the 
judgment seat of God ; he must examine what those sins 
are which he apprehends would then rise up against him, 
and wish he had never committed them ; under the assur- 
ance that if he judges himself now he shall not be judged 
hereafter. 

Q. What method do .you propose to avoid con- 
fusion in this examination ? 

A. I would have him observe, that there are two kinds 
of sins, the one committed willijiglj^. knowinghj, and deliber- 
ately in m.atters of moment called mortal sins; and the 
other in matters of less concern, or at least done without 
consent or knowledge of the evil, and are called venial. 
Novv', it is according to these two kinds of sin that I would 
have him regulate the method of his examination. Let 
him first examine whether he has been guilty of any wilful 
transgression whereby he has mortally offended God, and 
recollect in what particulars ; and then, making inquiry 
into his venial sins, under these two heads let him rank his 
offences. 

Q. But suppose he has to look over a lapse of 
many years ; and should his sins be numerous, are 
there no means to assist him in bringing them back 
to his recollection ? 

A. The method commonly observed is, to recollect the 
places he has lived in : the persons he has conversed with ; 
the business he has been engaged in; the o5//(7a^/o??s of his 
state; the /^ass/cTzs to which he may have been mo^t sub- 
ject : and the occasions he has met with. Or else let him 
consider the threefold diiti/ he owes to God, his neighbor, 
and himself, and reflect in what particulars he has trans- 
gressed them. 

Q. But, should he forget some of his sins, is 
there no remedy ? 



FOFw COXFESSIOX. 



13 



A. Let him take the Commandments, the Precepts of the 
Church, and the Seven Deadly Sins, and examine himself 
upon each of them separately : let him examine whether 
he has transgressed against it. in what instance, and how ; 
and though his sins may be numerous, vet. being thus 
brought under different heads, he" may the more easily re- 
member them. He may also make his Confession in the 
same order, accusing himself, in the first place, of all the 
sins he may hare committed against the First Command- 
ment, then the Second, and so proceed on. 

Q. ?\Iay he not write down his sins in order to 
refresh his memory r 

A. In Genercd Confessions, when the examination is of 
different years, lie may. but in Ordinary Confessions it is 
not permirttd without the advice of his director, it being 
apt to breed scruples and produce too great an anxiety of 
spirit. 

Q. How much time vrould you advise him to 
take for making his examination ? 

A. There can be no general rule prescribed ; but in tliis, 
as in all other af?"airs, the time must be according to the 
work. A v,'e^::k's examination, tbr in-tanc-?. requires not 
so much time as a month, nor a month as a year, nor a 
year so much as a man's whole life. Every one must con- 
sider his own particular circumstances, capaciry, and state 
of life, and take a- n:i;vh time as he thinks necessary for 
the well performance c r so great a concern. But as to 
those who have many y-ar- ^^ack to examine and prepare 
for Confession. I think they .-liuuld not attempt it all at 
once, but rather at several times, in order to refresh their 
spirits ; for, as too close an application dulls, so convenient 
interruptions prepare the mind for a more diligent attention 
and better discharge of this duty. But Avith respect to such 
as go to Confession every month, or oftener, — who avoid 
all wilful and m.ortal sins. — whose lives are so uniform as 
to be every da.y the same. — I would advise them not to be 
over-tedious in making their examination, especially if they 
be of a solicitous and anxious disposition : for such often 



14 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



deceive themselves, disquieting their minds with long and 
scrupulous researches, flattering themselves at the sarne 
time, as if they were performing a great duty, whilst they 
are only yielding to their own vreakness, and led away by 
a blind fear and infirmity of temper. 

Q. Would you not have them to be very earnest 
in an affair of so much concern ? 

A. Certainly ; but not with such an earnestness as creates 
distraction ] for this work ought to be done with a serenity 
and composure of soul which, if once disquieted or per- 
plexed, is no longer fit for acquitting itself of this duty : 
and, therefore, I cannot but consider such an excessive soli- 
citude as a snare of the enemy, and whoever follows it is 
certainly led astray by a - wrong guide. But let not the 
Careless Christian here mistake me, as if his sloth was 
here favored in making his examination in a heedless and 
negligent manner. 

Q. Are we bound to call to mind and confess 
all our venial sins ? 

A. The Church obliges us only to confess our mortal 
sins; but with regard to such as are venial she only de- 
clares it to be profitable and convenient to confess them, 
this being the most assured means to obtain grace for their 
amendment. But then there is a considerable difference 
between venial sins, and more reason to confess some of 
them than others : and whoever observes this difference 
may easily avoid solicitude, both in his examination and 
confession. 

Q. What are those venial sins we have more 
reason to confess than others > 

A. Those that are habitual : for example, when a person 
observes in himself an ill hahit or custom of falling into any 
sort of venial sins, I would advise him to confess it ; be- 
cause, though it may be light in itself, yet, being neglected^ 
and multiplied, it becomes very dangerous ; for many fall 
miserably into mortal sins through their neglect in correct- 
ing venial ones. 



FOR CONFESSION. 



15 



Q. Pray, how can I examine and confess my 
sins of thought ? 

A. Sins of thought are to be confessed ; for God, The 
Searcher of cJl hearts^ sees and knows our most hidden 
thoughts, and will call us to an account for such of them 
as are evil^ if not cancelled by Penance ; for be assured 
that whatever is a sin in icord^ or in deed^ must likewise 
be a sin in thought, if entertained willingly. A person 
therefore preparing himself for Confession is not to inquire 
how many evil thoughts he has had in his mind, but how 
many he has admitted icUUngly, without endeavoring to 
cast them off; and as many as he discovers of them, so 
many sins has he to repent of. mortal, if the thing thought 
of be mortal sin, otherwise but venial. 

Q. What account, then, is to be made of such 
evil thoughts as one resists and endeavors to cast 
out of his mind ? 

A, They are to be considered as so many temptations^ or 
trials,' for the exercise and improvement of virtue : and 
therefore, whoever finds himself assaulted with evil thoughts, 
though five hundred times a day, and has as often with- 
stood them, need not be troubled on their account, as 
thinking them so many sins, or matters of Confession, but 
rejoice and thank God for so many victories obtained over 
the enemy, for which he may one day hope to be recom- 
pensed with a crown of glory. " Blessed is the man that 
endureth temptation : for when he is tried he shall receive 
a crown of life." — James i. 12. 

ON THE EXAMINATION OF CONSCIENCE. 

A method of Examination of Conscience for 
such as confess often, according to the threefold 
duty we owe, 1. To God. 2. To our neighbor. 
3. To ourselves. 

I. In relation to God. 1. Have you omitted 



16 



IXSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



morning or evening prayers, or neglected to make 
your daily examination of conscience ? Have you 
prayed negligently and with wilful distractions ? — 
2. Have you spent your time, especially on Sun- 
days and Holidays, in sluggishly lying abed, or in 
any sort of idle entertainment, instead of reading, 
praying, or other pious exercises, and taken care 
that those under your charge have done the like 
and not wanted the instructions necessary for their 
condition, nor time for prayer, or to prepare for 
the Sacraments ? — 8. Have you spoke irrever- 
ently of (-^od and holy things ? Have you taken 
His Nam.e in vain, or told untruths? — 4. Have 
you omitted your duty through human respect or 
self-interest, &c. ? — 5. FTave you been negligent 
of God's honor, of justice, virtue, or truth? — 6. 
Have you refused to resign your will to God in 
troubles, necessities, sickness, &c. ? Have you 
neglected to resist thoughts of infidelity, distrust, 
presumption, impurity, &c.? 

n. In relation to your neiglibor. 1. Have you 
disobeyed your superiors, murmured against their 
commands, or spoke of them contemptuously? — 
2. Flave you been troubled, peevish, or imipatient 
v/hen told of your faults, and not corrected them ? 
Have you scorned the good advice of others, or 
censured their proceedings ? — 3. Have you of- 
fended any one by injurious or threatening words, 
or' actions ? — 4. Or lessened their reputation by 
any sort of detraction, or in any matter of impor- 
tance ? — 5. Or spread any report, true or false^ 
that exposed your neighbor to contempt, or made 
him undervalued ? — 6. Have you, by carrying 



FOK CO^'FLSSIO:\. 



17 



stories backward and forward, created discord and 
misunderstanding between neighbors ? — 7. Have 
you been froward or peevish tovrards any one in 
your carriage, speech, or conversation ? — 8. Or 
taken pleasure to vex, mortify, or provoke them to 
swear, curse, or in any way offend God? — 9. 
Have you mocked or reproached them for their 
corporal or spiritual imperfections? — 10. Have 
you been excessive in reprehending those under 
your care, or been vranting in giving them just re- 
proof? — 11. Have you been impatient at their 
imperfections ? — 12. Have you been neglectful 
for such as are under your charge, and omitted to 
provide for their souls or bodies r 

III. In relation to yourself. 1. Have you been 
obstinate in following your own will, or in defend- 
ing your ovvn opinion, in things either indifferent, 
dangerous, or scandalous? — 2. Have you taken 
pleasure in hearing yourself praised, or yielded to 
thoughts of vanity ? — 3. H^ave you indulged your- 
self in overmuch ease, or any v/ay yielded to sensu- 
ality ? — 4. Has your conversation been edifHung 
and moderate, or have you been froward, proud, 
or troublesome to others : — 5. Have you spent 
overmuch time in play or useless employments, 
and thereby omitted or put off your devotions to 
unseasonable tim.es: 

\XJ^ If such as confess oft e?i fall into any of the 
more grievous sins not here mentioned, their own 
memoj^ij icill easily suggest them, since it is impos- 
siUe for a tender soul to forget any mortal offence 
lohich must of necessity afflict her ; and, therefore, 
it may not he necessary for them to turn over th^ 



18 



IXSTRUCTIOXS AI\D 



DE^'OTIONS 



following table of sins, icliicli is cJiief y intended 
for General Confessions : — 

AN EXAMINATION FOU A GENERAL CONFESSION. 

The First Commandment is broken, frst, by 
sins against Faith, 1. To be ignorant of the 
principal mysteries of Christianity, of the Creed, 
the Commandments of God and of His Church, 
or of the Sacraments. 2. Wilfully to doubt, or 
obstinately to err, in any point of Faith. 3. To 
have delayed embracing The True Faith out of 
human respects, interest, fear, 6z;c. 4. To favor 
Heretics, or wicked men, in supporting or approv- 
ing their opinions or actions. 5. To endanger our 
Faith by reading their books with pleasure. 6. 
To examine divine mysteries with curiosity. 7. 
To contemn or deride holy things. 8. To abuse 
the words of Holy Scripture, by perverting them 
to a wricked or profane sense, making them sub- 
servient to a jest, or other ill purposes. 9. To 
desire to know things to come which belong to 
God alone, or things past or present w^iich are hid 
from us, and for this end to employ unlav.ful 
means, as magicians, fortune tellers, or other 
superstitious inventions. 10. To give credit to 
dreams, or make superstitious observations ; to 
employ prayers or sacred names to ill use ; to use 
charms, &c. 

Secondly, by sins against Hope. 1. By dis- 
trusting the m.ercies of God, and despairing of 
the pardon of our sins. 2. By presuming on 
God's goodness, without the least concern of 



FOR co:;fessiox. 



19 



amendment. 3. B}' deferring our conTersion, or 
repentance, till the end of life. 4. By exposing 
ourselves to the danger of offending God, either 
by keeping bad company ^ bad books or 

otherwise, which is called God. 5. By 

exposing ourselves, without necessity, to some cor- 
poral danger, as sickness, wounds, or death. 6. 
By neglecting the remedies God has appointed in 
these dangers, as of physic for the body, or prayer 
and the Sacraments for the soul. 

Thirdly, hy sins against Charity. 1. By not 
loving God above all things, but rather choosing 
v/ilfuliy to offend Him than suffer any loss of hu- 
man favors, honor, riches, 6cc. 2. By preferring 
the love of men before the love of God, or oltend- 
ing Him through fear of being jeered or slighted. 
3. By omittino: our duty through shame or human 
respect. 4. B3/ thinking seldom of God, or being 
ashamed to speak of Him ; or by not hearkening 
to Hjs inspirations, forgetting His benefits, or neg- 
lecting to give Him thanks. 

Fcurthly, hy sins against Religion. 1. By not 
adoring God, or praying to Him but seldom. 2. 
By praying without attention, and with wilful dis- 
traction. 3. By a want of respect to God in time 
of prayer, or by talking, or being present in 
holy places without a becoming modesty and 
::ravity in our looks, words, and actions. 

Fifthly, hy sins against the care ice ought to 
have of our salvation. 1. By a love of idleness, 
in choosing rather to do nothing than to be em- 
ployed in any commendable exercise, which sin 
carries a train of many others after it. 2. By 



20 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



being too solicitous in temporal concerns, and neg- 
lecting the means of Salvation. 3. By deferring 
an amendment of life, or immediately desisting 
after having begun it. 4. By neglecting the means 
of Salvation, as the Sacraments, Prayer, Good 
Works, or performing them without devotion. 

The Second Commandment is broken. 1. By 
taking The Name of God in vain. 2. B}^ swear- 
ing to what one knows, or doubts, to be false. 3. 
By swearing to what is unjust or prejudicial to 
others. 4. By sw^earing without necessity, though 
the thing itself be true and just. 5. By blasphem- 
ing God or holy things. 6. By cursing one's self 
or others, or taking pleasure in hearing others 
swear or curse, or by provoking them to it. 7. 
By not reprehending them when one could and 
ought. 8. By making a vow to do what is impos- 
sible to fulfil ; or to do what is evil and displeasing 
to God ; or to do what one never intends to per- 
form. By breaking lawful vows, or deferring to 
fulfil them without just cause. 

The Third Commandment is oroken. 1. By 
doing servile w^orks on the Lord's Day, or causing 
others to do the like, without necessity. 2. By 
employing a considerable part of Holydays in 
temporal affairs, as is often the case with mer- 
chants, advocates, solicitors, &c. 3. By omitting 
to hear Mass, or not hearing it with due attention 
and reverence. 4. By spending The Lord's Day 
in idleness, gaming, dancing, feasting, and other 
recreations. 5. By not dedicating a considerable 
part of those days to reading and praying, and 
by not taking care that those under our charge do 
the like. 



FOR COXFESSIOX. 



21 



The Fourth Commandment is uroken, 1. By 
children not pay: 11:.; c'-^-j : -" '?ct to their parents, 
or by despising th iheir hearts or ac- 

tions. 2. By not . but wishing their 

death, or some m\ = ; by forsaking them 

in their i:ec^^--: :v 0. By not cheerfully obeying 
them, or by obeying them in things unlawful. - 4. 
By slighting- their re ions and resisting 

their corrections. 5. ^. . .nig them into a pas- 
sion, and not taking care to pacif}" them. 6. By 
not executing their last will or testament, or by 
delaying to do so. 

II. The Fourth Commandment is broken by 
servants. 1. In disobeying their masters. 2. By 
a want of diligence in the trust that is required 
of them. 3. By neglecting the reasonable and 
just interests of their masters or employers. 4. 
By letting them sustain any kind of loss through 
their sloth or neglect, &:c. 5. By obeying them 
in things unlavrfnl, as lying, swearing, stealing, 
^c, for them. 

III. The Fourth Comimandment is broken by 
parents not discharging h:''r v towards their 
children, i. In not i and supplying 
their corporal necessitiLS. ^. ia not being care- 
ful of their Salvation. 3. In not correcting them 
when it is necessary : ' " \\ i their passions, 

or induiging their evii : 4. In treating 

them with too much severity. 5. In not setting 
them goe^^ v-. r? jp, fr:rcing them in the 

choice 01 

lY. iLe e -;:indment is broken by 

masters. 1. _ due care as to the life 



22 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



and conversation of their servants, 2. In not being 
watchful over them to reprehend their faults, make 
them say their prayers, go to Mass on The Lord's 
Day and Holydays, or frequent The Sacraments. 
3. In commanding them to do something eviL 4. 
By treating them injuriously. 5. In not paying 
them their wages. 

The Fifth Commandinent is broke?!. 1. By 
anger, quarrelHng, or threatening, or b}^ injurious 
or reproachful v/ords or actions ao[ainst our neigh- 
bors. 2. By revenge, or deliberate thoughts or 
desires of revenge, o. By provoking, striking, 
challenging, wounding, or being the cause of 
another's death. 4. By bearing mahce, refusing 
to salute or speak to any neighbor out of hatred or 
aversion, or refusing to be reconciled to him. 

The Sixth Comraandinent is Iroken. I. By the 
hearing. 1. In willingly giving ear to immodest 
words, discourses, songs, &c. 2. By taking pleas- 
ure in them. 3, By not hindering or discouraging 
them when in our power. 4. By not avoiding 
licentious and lewd company. 

il. By the sight. 1. In looking on immodest 
objects, as on naked or lewd pictures, figures, &c» 
2. In reading or keeping improper books, lending 
them to others, or neglecting to suppress them 
when we may. 

III. By the tongue. 1. In speaking immodest 
words, or such as, bearing a double sense, are apt 
to create impure thoughts in others. 2. In relating 
wanton stories or wicked actions of ourselves or 
others. 3. By singing unchaste songs, or reciting 
immodest verses. 4. By soliciting others to any 
sort of impurity. 



FOR CO:\^FESSION. 



23 



IV. By the toiicJi. 1. Id using indecent actions, 
or by touching one's self or others immodestly. 

y. By tJioughts. 1. By entertaining impure 
thoughts wilfully and with delight. 2. By desiring 
to commit the things thoitght on. 3. In resolying 
to commit them. 

YI. By inimodest actions, 1. In committing 
the sin of impm-ity, ^whether effected by soliciting, 
seducing with promises, or forcing ; and whether 
it be fornication, or adultery, or incest. 2. In sins 
against nature. 

The Sei-evith Cojiunandment is Irokeii. 1. By 
taking another's goods, and to what yalue. 2. By 
retaining what w^e know belongs to another. 3. 
By denying our debts, or wilfully delaying pay- 
ment. 4. By causing any damage to our neigh- 
bor. 5. By not paying towards the support of 
your Clergy according to the custom of the coun- 
try where you live. 

The Eighth Cojamand'/uent is hroken. 1. By 
swearing to, or witnessing, w^hat is false, or defend- 
ing a false accusation ; by condemning the inno- 
cent, or discharging the guilty. 2. By detraction, 
either in laying something false to another's 
charge, or reporting for truth what is merely 
doubtful ; or in revealing something as yet secret 
and unknown, though true, to the prejudice of 
some third person, with a declaration, whether it 
be done out of levity and indiscretion, or out of 
malice and ill will ; v/hether in the presence of 
many, or in a matter of importance. 3. By lying, 
or speaking vrhat w^e judge to be othervvise than we 
say, v»'hether out of custom, or to the considerable 
prejudice of others. 



24 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIO?;S 



The Ninth and Tenth are hroken by all unlaw- 
ful and wilful desires of impurity and theft, which 
have been ah-eady mentioned in the Sixth and 
Seventh Com mand ments. 

THE PRECEPTS OF THE CHURCH. 

L To keep certain appointed days holy, with 
the obligation of hearing Mass and resting from 
servile works. 11. To observe the days of absti- 
nence and fasting. III. To confess our sins to 
our Pastor at least once a year. IV. To receive 
The Blessed Sacrament at Easter or thereabouts. 
V. To pay to the support of our Pastor. The ex- 
amination on these jjrecepts being very easy, we 
therefore proceed to 

THE SEVEN DEADLY SINS. 

The sin of Pride consists, 1. In entertaining 
too great an opinion or valuing ourselves above 
our deserts. 2. In publishing what we think good 
in ourselves that v\^e may be esteemed by others. 
3. In arrogance, by attributing to ourselves the 
good we have not. 4. In presum.ption and ambi- 
tion. 5. In contempt of others on account of the 
good opinion we have of ourselves, and when this 
contempt is manifested by words or actions, or by 
being severe and exacting on inferiors. 6. In 
want of submission to our superiors, by disobeying 
them, blaming their conduct, or murmuring against 
them without evidently just cause. 7. In not 
acknowledging our faults. 8. In contempt of 



TOR CONFESSION. 



25 



admonitions and corrections. 9. In discord. 10. 
In hypocrisy. 11. In curiosity, which inclines ns 
to know things prejudicial to our Sah-ation. 12. 
By ingratitude for God's benefits. The si/is of 
covetoiisness^ ItLviiry^ and sloth have ieen already 
examined in the Fifth. Sixths and Seventh Com- 
niandnients. 

The Sin of GJuttonu. 1. In eating or drinking 
to excess, as far as they are prejudicial either to our 
health or to our reason, or any v/ay scandalous, or 
of ill example to others. 

The Sin of Enuij. 1. Trouble at the good 
success of our neighbor, or when we endeavor 
to do him an unkindness or speak often against 
him, or create an ill opinion of him in tlie mind 
of another. 2. When we rejoice at our neigh- 
bor's harm. 

The Sin of Ange'r. 1. Not to endure any thing 
contrary to our inclinations. 2. To suffer our- 
selves to be hurried away by the emotions of wrath 
against those that '/we us any trouble. 3. To pro- 
1 ceed to quarrel, injurious language, caths, curses, 
I threats ; to take reve;ige. or to desire and v/ish to 
j to be in a capacity of doing so. 4. To refuse to 
|( pardon injuries, or to be leconciled to such of our 
neighbors with v/hom we have had sonie misunder- 
standing or falling out. 

AN EXA3IINATI0N OF SINS T\'HICH ONE C03I3IITS 
IN THE PEESON OF ANOTHER. 

1. In doing an evil action in the presence of 
others, more especially if it be done with a design 
3 



26 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



to excite others to sin. 2. By forcibly compelling 
them to evil. 3. In giving aid or assistance to 
wicked actions by money or otherwise. 4. In 
sharing in an evil, whether it be in the action it- 
self, or in the profits arising from it. 5. In not 
preventing evil when, one may. 6. By teaching 
one an evil of which he was ignorant before. 7. 
By commanding, counselling, soliciting, threaten- 
ing, or otherv^ise provoking another to evil. 8. 
By approving wicked actions, or applauding them 
that commit them. 9. By boasting of the sins we 
have committed, or of such as we never did com- 
mit. 10. By slighting the good deeds of- others, 
or any way exposing them to ridicule or scorn. 
11. By sowing discord amongst others, either by 
false or true reports, or by endeavoring to keep up 
a misunderstanding amongst them. 12. By not 
instructing those under your care, nor reprehending 
them when necessity requires, but permitting them 
to live as they please. 13. By not giving frater- 
nal correction and charitable admonition for the 
preventing of evil. 

I^p^ There are other particular sins besides 
these belonging to every state, trade, profession^ 
and calling, upon which every one ought to call 
himself to an account, and see how far he has been 
wanting in any part of his duty. 

This examination of conscience may be very proper for 
those pious Christians who, following the advice of St. 
Francis de Sales^ once every year take a general review of 
the state of their souls, of their passions, affections, incli- 
nations, habits, &c., in order to see v/hether they advance or 
go back in the way of virtue, after having repaired all the 
defects of the year past by a general repentance and 



FOK COXFESSIOX. 



27 



confession, enter upon their dntv again with fresh vigor an^l 
spirit, which is a very commendable practice. 

IXSTRUCTIOX OX THE IISST PART OF PEXAXCE, 
A"IZ., COXTRITIOX. 

Q. When the sinner has recollected all his sins, 
may he go immediately to Confession? 

A. By no means : hein^ as yet but half prepared, and 
that the lesser half too : for, though he has truly exam- 
ined his conscience and recollects all he has to confess, still 
he must take time to beg pardon for his sins, stir up his 
heart to sorrow and contrition for them, and make firm 
resolutions of amendment for the time to come : without 
this, what benefit can be received by Confession, which 
would be nothing but a fruitless ceremony, if not accom- 
panied by a change of heart, detestation of sin, and sincere 
purpose of amendment ? 

Q. How much time ought we to take for the 
exciting of this sorrow and resolving upon amend- 
ment r 

A. This sorroiv and resolution of amendment are so abso- 
lutely necessaiy. and at the same time so difficult, that 
Rodriguez, one of the greatest masters in re- 
quires double the time for i: that is taken for a. 
So that if the whole time necessary for p: . . ix- 

fession were divided into three parts, h- - e the 

first spent in the examen and the two ot:: ::i beg- 

ging pardon, exciting true sorr: - as 
of offending no more. And h /-t 
imagine there can be no danger oi -^^'^ig 
invalid unless from a want of exam: -hor is 

of another opinion, an d f -5 :hat t:.crc ..'l -: r..crc Confes- 
sions sacrilegious an ; ^r want of true sorrow and 
sincere purpose of ar^i j..-n.. than on any other account 
whatever. 

O.' Vrhat then would you advise a penitent to do ? 



28 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



A. Having made his examination, I \\'ould advise him 
by no means to think liiniself fit for Confession, bat rather 
apply himself to a change of heart by exciting it to true 
sorrow and contrition, and a serious resolution of amend- 
ment. 

Q. How can this be done ? 

A. By prayer : for however troubled and sorrowful he 
may appear upon preparing for Confession, yet that true 
sorrow and contrition which forms a necessary part of this 
Sacrament is not a natural sorrow, but a g[ft of God, not to 
be obtained but by Prayer. And, therefore, should there 
be any who, as soon as they have finished their examina- 
tion, immediately run to Confession, it is to be feared t'ley 
either wholly neglect the essential part of this Sacrament, 
viz., Contrition^ or else tempt God, in rashly expecting so 
great a favor without using proper means to obtain it. 

Q. What prayers are proper on this occasion ? 

A. I will here insert some selected out of the most ap- 
proved books of devotion. 

A PRAYER FOR OBTAINING CONTRITION. 

LORD, I have now^ here before 
me a sad prospect of the mani- 
% fold offences whereby I have 
lispleased Thy Divine Majes- 
LY,and which I am assured will 
appear in judgment against 
f s mq, if, by repentance and a 
hearty sorrow, my soul be 
not prepared to receive Thy Pardon. But this sorr 
rov/ and this repentance, O Lord, must be the free 
gift of Thy I\Iercy, vrithout which all my endeavors 
will be in vain and I shall be forever miserable. 



FOE CONFESSION. 



29 



Have pity, therefore, on me, O I\Ierciful Father, 
and pour forth into my heart Thy Grace, whereby 
I may sincerely repent of all my sins : grant m.e 
True Contrition, that I may bewail my ingratitude 
and grieve from miy heart for having offended so 
good a God. Permit me not to be deluded by a false 
sorrovv^, as I fear I have been too often, through 
my own Vv^eakness and neglect, but let it now be 
Thy gift, descending from Thee, The Father of 
Lights, that so my repentance may be accompa- 
nied by an amendment and a change of life, that, 
being thus acquitted from the guilt of my sins, I 
may once more be received into the number of 
Thy servants. Amen. 

[The7i let the j?cnitent cqjply himself seriously to 
such other prayers and considerations as may 
he j^rojjer for obtaining Contrition, that, lohilst 
he asks of God, nothing may he wanting on Ms 
Ijart to ootain it.'^ 

PRAYER BEFORE CONFESSION. 

Have pity on me, O God, and let me partake 
of the effects of Thy Great Mercy. I here 
acknowledge and am sensible of the multitude 
and enormity of my sins. It is Thou, O my God, 
perfidious creature as I am.. Whom I have offend- 
ed ; it is against Thee that I have rebelled. To 
follow my pleasures and indulge my passions I 
have abandoned Thee and lost Thy Grace : I, 
whom Thou hast created to Thine Own Likeness 
and redeemed by The Blood of Thy Only Son, 
^3 



30 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



have, by my sins, made my soul resemble those 
monsters of ingratitude, the infernal spirits ; like 
them I have forfeited Heaven, my blessed country, 
and deserved Hell, which I shall never be able to 
escape without the assistance of Thy Boundless 
Mercy. The injury I have offered Thee, O Lord, 
is so great that it caused Thy Son, Jesus Christ, 
my Savior, to suffer death. Flow, then, O my 
God, how can I sufficiently deplore so great an 
evil ? Who will give water to my head and a 
fountain of tears to my eyes that I may incessant- 
ly deplore my misery and mahce, and do Penance 
for my sins ? 

O Almighty and eternal God, to Whom is due 
all honor and glory, behold I, a miserable and un- 
worthy sinner, who have hitherto lived in ingrati- 
tude and rebellion, come to Thee, my Creator, my 
God, my Redeemer, my merciful Judge, and my 
Savior, accusing myself and laying before Thee 
all the abominations by which I have blasphemed 
Thy Sacred Name, transgressed Thy Precepts, 
contemned Thy Will, and defiled both my soul 
and body. O my God, when I behold my misery, 
and consider how often I have abused Thy gifts 
and blessings, despised Thy goodness, neglected 
Thy service, added daily sin to sin, and preferred 
m.yself, my passions, and other creatures, to my 
duty and Thy Commands, I cannot but consider 
myself as unworthy either to lift up my eyes to 
Heaven, or appear in. Thy presence. But whither, 
O Lord my God, shall I flee from Thy face^? 
Where shall I conceal myself from Thy anger 
Who can restore me to Thy favor ? It is only 



FOR CONFESSION. 



3i 



from Thy goodness that I can expect so great a 
blessing ; for art not Thou my Father, Whose 
mercies are infinite, and AVhose compassion knows 
no bounds r And I, though unworthy the name 
of Thy child, acknowledge no other Father but 
Thee. Wherefore I prostrate myself at the feet 
of Thy mercy and beseech Thee, by Thy Al- 
mighty Power, Goodness, and Vvlsdom, to pardon, 
purify, and acquit me from the guilt of all my 
sins. Receive me again into Thy favor, O Lord, 
and confirm me in all good, that my soul, being 
entirely possessed by Thee, may be prepared for 
glory. And, that my petition may find accept- 
ance, I appeal to Thee, Sweet Jesus, Son of the 
Living God, The Advocate and Mediator betwixt 
us sinners and Thy Eternal Father, humbly be- 
seeching Thee, through that infinite charity which 
brought Thee from Heaven to the ignominy of 
'Trhe Cross, and Thy Precious Blood spilt thereon, 
that I may now partake of the benefit of Thy 
Sufferings and be cleansed from all my offences ; 
that by Thy assistance I may sincerely repent and 
amend of all my failings ; that, dying to myself 
and the world, I may live only to Thee, and never 
suffer either passion or pleasure to divide me from 
Thee any more. 

Alas ! my Father and m.y God, how comes it 
to pass that I should have so often offended Thee ? 
Thou seest, O Lord, neither goodness nor health 
in me ; have mercy, therefore, on me, for I have 
sinned against Thee. Heal my soul, O Lord, for 
Thou only art my hope and strength. Alas ! my 
God, how many and dangerous are my w^ounds, 



82 IKSTIIUCTIONS AND DEVOTlOr.S 

how great my weakness and misery, for the cur- 
ing of which Thou wert crucified and slain ! And 
to whom shall I complain of all these my evils if 
not to Thee, O Lord, the Savior and P^edeemer of 
my soul? Be merciful therefore to me a sinner, 
Sweet Jesus, for nothing is more pleasing to Thee 
than to have compassion on those that are misera- 
ble. Restore me to Thy Favor, receive me again 
into Thy Friendship, and cast me not off on ac- 
count of my offences ; for what can I, miserable 
creature, do but offend ? And Thou, O Infinite 
Goodness, canst ])ardon more than I can sin. 
Spare me, therefore, according to Thy Infinite 
Goodness, and grant me now tears of a sincere 
repentance that I may mourn for the evils I have 
committed. Grant that t may sincerely grieve for 
having sinned against Thee, my God, my Crea- 
tor and Redeemer. Soften my hardened breast, 
inflame my frozen heart, that I may, with unfeign- 
ed sorrov/, repent for not loving, nay, for despising 
and offending Thee. What shall I, most misera- 
ble and wicked creature, do, O God, to serve 
Thee ? All my confidence and hopes of mercy 
are in Thee. Help me, therefore, O Lord, and 
be Thou the strength of my soul, that I may, from 
this moment, detest and forsake a.li my past evils, 
that I may conquer my passions, reform all my 
bad habits, and, by a true change of life and man- 
ners, be entirely united to Thee, and with Thee 
live forever. Amen, 

To Thee, O miCrciful Jesus, in the bitterness of 
my soul I come, beseeching Thee to have com- 



FOR CONFESSION. 



33 



passion on me and deliver me from my sins : 
despise not, O God, the cries of Thy lost sheep ; 
reject not the sighs of Thy prodigal child, who 
desires to return home to Thee and to be received 
again into the number of Thy servants. I am 
sorry for all the sins I have committed and detest 
them here in Thy Presence, because I love Thee 
above all things, and honor Thee as my Gracious 
God, worthy of infinite love. And for this reason 
I now firmly purpose to suffer all evils, nay, even 
death itself, rather than willingly consent to sin. 
I resolve to make an Exact Confession of all my 
offences, faithfully to discharge whatever shall be 
enjoined for my punishment or amendment, and 
carefully to avoid all occasions of sin. And if any 
thing be wanting of true Contrition to this my sor- 
row, may Thy Sacred Passion, O Blessed Jesus, 
Thy Precious Blood and Infinite Merits, supply all 
the defects of my weakness ; for it is in Thy 
Death I place all my trust; through Thee I firmly 
hope to obtain pardon of all my sins, grace to 
overcome my vicious customs, and perseverance 
to the end in the good resolutions I have now made 
in Thy Presence. As, therefore, it is by Thee I 
come to the knowledge of my misery, so it is by 
Thee my good purpose and sorrow for my offences 
must be perfected. May the fire, therefore, of 
Divine Love now inflame my soul and consume 
I therein whatever is displeasing to Thy Infinite 
Goodness. Sanctify my heart, purify my affec- 
tions and desires, that, dying to myself, I may ever 
live to Thee, and at length depart this life in Thy 
Grace and Favor. Amen, 



34 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



Such as go to Confession over nigJit, or other' 
wise have leisure, supjjose ivhile waiting to get 
Confession, may use the following Aspirations, 
either hefore or after Confession, ivith heneft to 
their souls. 

Myljord and my God, I sincerely acknovrledge 
myself a vile and wretched sinner, unworthy to 
appear in Thy Presence ; but do Thou have mercy 
on me and save me. 

0 God, my chiefest good, how far have I w^an- 
dered from Thee by my sins! How long have I 
dwelt at a distance from Thee, in the region of 
misery, where I had quite lost myself! 

Most Loving Father, I have sinned against 
Heaven and before Thee, and am unworthy to be 
called Thy child : make me as one of Thy ser- 
vants, and may I for the future be ever faithful to 
Thee. 

It truly grieves me, O my God, to have sinned 
and so many times transgressed Thy law ; but 
wash me now from my iniquity and cleanse me 
from my sin. 

1 detest my sins, O Lord; I abhor my w^icked- 
ness ; I confess my ingratitude, and now desire to 
seek refuge in Thy Mercy. 

From this moment I purpose no more to offend 
Thee nor consent to sin : O, let me suffer all kinds 
of pain and obloquy, nay, even death itself, rather 
than return to my former course of life and live 
Thy enemy. 

Loving Father, assist me by Thy Grace, that I 
may bring forth worthy fruits of Penance, and not 
suffer my sins to go unpunished. 



FOR CONFESSION. 



3S 



I have wandered like a sheep that is gone 
astray ; but I hear Thy sweet voice crying after me 
in the most affectionate manner imaginable, 
" Come, dear soul ; thou hast prostituted thyself to 
many lovers : nevertheless, return to me and I will 
receive thee." — Jer, iii. 1. 

IL Now I begin, O Lord, now I begin to live, 
not trusting in my ov/n strength or in the resolutions 
I make, but in the multitude of Thy Mercies. 

Perfect, O God, the work which Thou hast now 
begun in me. Thou hast given me peace and 
understanding; but, wretched sinner that I am, 
how ungratefully have I abused all Thy gifts! 
And yet now, with all the tenderness of a Loving 
Father, Thou recallest me from sin and rescuest 
me from Hell. 

Alas ! my soul is full of anguish and confusion 
at the recollection of the many sins whereby I 
have offended Thee, my Merciful E-edeemer, made 
myself a slave to The Devil, and provoked Thy 
anger. 

O th^t I had never transgressed Thy Command- 
ments nor fallen into such an abyss of misery and 
calamity ! O that I had never sinned ! Happy 
those souls who have preserved their innocence, 
and never forfeited that grace they received at the 
baptismal font ! 

But now I am resolved, with the help of Thy 
Grace, to be more watchful over myself, to amend 
my failings and fulfil Thy Law. Look down on 
me with the eyes of mercy, O God, and blot out 
my sins. 

Forgive me what is past, and, through the bow- 



36 INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 

els of Thy Infinite Goodness, secure me by Thy 
most efficacious grace against all my corrupt feel- 
ings for the time to come. 

Alas ! how slothful and careless have I hitherto 
been! I have deferred my repentance, rejected 
Thy helps, contemned Thy visits, and been deaf 
to Thy calls : Lord, what shall I do, or what 
course shall I take ? It grieves me from my heart 
that I have ever offended Thee ; but do Thou 
vouchsafe to have mercy on me, O sovereign Lord 
of my life. 

Behold, I am blind and miserable ; and without 
Thee, O God, I can do nothing. 

III. I confess myself, O Lord, unworthy of Thy 
Mercy ; but Thy Goodness is above all my of- 
fences. 

Thou hast declared, O Lord, that there is joy in 
Heaven for the conversion of a sinner : grant me, 
then, the grace of a true repentance, and let 
Heaven rejoice at my amendment. 

Thou wiliest not the death of a sinner,' but that 
he be converted and live : grant me, then, that spir- 
itual life which I want ; for behold, O Lord, I sin- 
cerely v/ish to live. 

Thou didst come, O dear Redeemer, not to call 
the just, but sinners, to repentance : behold a most 
miserable sinner here before Thee : O, draw him 
most powerfully to Thee. 

Have mercy on me, O God, according to Thy 
great mercy ; and according to the multitude of 
Thy tender mercies blot out my iniquities. Sprinkle 
me with Thy precious blood, and I shall be made 
whiter than snow. Create in me a clean heart, 
and renew a right spirit within my bowels. 



FCH CONFESSION. 



37 



Dear Redeemer of my soul, how long turnest 
Thou Thy face, from me, and bringest no relief to 
my sorrows ! 

Behold the prodigal child, nay, worse than the 
prodigal : but do Tliou, O Father, vouchsafe to 
have compassion on me : clothe me with the robes 
of Thy grace and receive me into the arms of Thy 
mercy. 

Let not Thy Precious Blood, my dear Savior, 
be shed for me in vain ; but may it now bring 
forth the fruit of a sincere repentance and open 
me a v/ay to life everlasting. 

IV. How great is Thy goodness, O Lord, in 
having so long spared such a worthless servant 
and waited with so much patience for his amend- 
ment ! Ah, what return shall I make for Thy in- 
finite mercies ? 0, let this mercy be added to the 
rest, that I may nevern:iore offend Thee : this 
single favor I earnestly beg of Thee, O Lord, viz., 
that 1 may for the future renounce my oicn icay to 
follow Thine. 

Come, Lord, take possession of my heart, and 
cast out from thence vrhatever Thou knowest pro- 
fanes or defiles this Thy temple ; destroy and erad- 
icate all that displeaseth Thee, and lay therein 
the foundation of a new life. 

I confess I have sinned ; but if Thou wilt. Thou 
canst make me vv hole. Heal, [Most Loving Father, 
this my soul. 

O that I v/ere free from all vice ! that I could 
regulate my senses, govern my thoughts, and 
moderate my affections ! O that 1 were truly com- 
posed and orderly both within and wuhout ! But 
4 



38 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



when shall I be thus happy, when thus pure in 
Thy sight? Lord, I will labor and take pains to 
reform myself, and I beg Thy assistance for this 
work ; but if I find not that good effect I desire, I 
will still persevere in my duty and wait with pa- 
tience and humility till Thou shalt please to give a 
blessing to my endeavors. Help me, O Lord my 
God, and have compassion on my sinful soul. 
Amen. 

Q. When a penitent has proceeded thus far and 
has reason to hope that he is truly sorry for and 
detests his sins, may he then go to Confession ? 

A. Yes ; after renewing his purposes and resolutions of 
amendment; and, for this end, let him consider how strict a 
watch and great diligence is necessary for this work ; let 
him also reflect on the occasions of his sins and resolve ef- 
fectually to avoid them ; for it is extrem.elv rash to under- 
take a work and at the same time not consider on the means 
whereby it is to be effected. Having seriously done this, 
let him then go to Confession. 

OF THE SECOND PART, VIZ., CONFESSION. 

Q. Are there any particular directions you 
would have the penitent observe with respect to 
this part of The Sacrament? 

A. There are some, recommended by St. Francis de 
Sales, in his Introduction to a Devout Life^ which he ought 
to remember; viz., not to make his Confession consist in 
negative or general failings, as is the custom of some, say- 
ing, I have not loved God as I ought ; or I have not 
prayed with so much devotion as I ought ; I have not been 
so patient as I ought : " for in these general accusations 
there is no particular sin mentioned, nor any thing by 



FOR CO>"FESSIO>'. 



39 



which the confessor can possibly understand the state of 
the penitent's conscience, since all men on earth might say 
the same : therefore, he ought to consider what particular 
reason he has to make these general accusations, and hav- 
ing discovered where the fault lies, to accuse himself of it 
in particular : so that, instead of accQsing himself of not 
haviiig prayed with as much devotion as he ought, let him see 
whether the fault lay in admitting voluntary distractions 
or in not choosing a convenient place, time. &c. ; and as he 
shall find himself to blame, so let him accuse himself. Let 
him a; so explain the motive or occasion of his sins : in the 
case of untruths, for example, let him accuse himself, not 
only of lying, but declare whether it was out of vanity, or 
in excuse^ or for the doing a prejudice, &c. : and so of his 
other sins ; for by this means he clearly lays open the 
state of his soul, and the Confessor knows how to prescribe 
proper remedies for his sins. AVith respect to mortal sins, 
he must discover how often he has -fallen into each, for 
otherwise his Confessor can form no judgment of the state 
of his soul, there beings a considerable diiference betwixt 
com.mitting a sin tv:ice or thrice and twenty or thirty times. 
And if he cannot exacrly recollect himself as to the num- 
ber, let him, upon reflection, make the best guess he can, 
and sincerely confess as n: -r the truth as he is able. But 
if the penitent has li' -inful state for any length of 

time and frequently fa.. - i .:j any particular sin, he need 
not then think of mentioning the number of his offences, 
but rather tlie length of time in which he has lived in that 
sinful state. He must also explain such circumstances as 
change, or at least considerably aggravate, the nature of 
the sin ; for as there is a considerable dinerence between 
robbing a church and another place : betwixt cheating or 
stealing five shillings and five hundred pounds; betwixt 
married and single persons in sins of impurity : betwixt de- 
faming a neighbor out of ma' '-' c"; "v heedlessness, in a 
matter of little or great concev:. : quarrelling with 

a stranger and a f it iter : betwix: t . ing in a sin. as of 
anger, revenge, &q.. a quai-fer of an hour, five hours, a day^ 
or a year : therefore, the penitent ought, in Confession, to 
explain these circumstances as distinctly as he can : and 
should he willingly conceal any of them, his Con fession be- 
comes void by not sincerely laying open the state of his 



40 



INSTRUCTIONS AN]> DEVOTIONS 



soul. He ought also to avoid a detail of circumstances 
which have no relation to the sins he confesses, and which 
are therefore unnecessary. He must also be careful not to 
declare the fault of a third person ; for though he does well 
to consider his own sins, yet he ought not to accuse others. 
Finally, let him not fail to make an entire Confession of all 
his mortal sins which, upon due examination, he can recol- 
lect, be they ever so secret or infamous, whether in thought, 
word, or deed : for should he wilfully conceal but one, 
either through shame or malice, his whole Confession be- 
comes not only void, but sacrilegious, by abusing the Sac- 
rament and lying to The Holy Ghost. 

Q. I think these directions necessary to be ob- 
served ; but when I consider the natural aversion 
we have to confess our hidden faults, I cannot but 
think that many, through shame, delay going to 
Confession, or when they go, are tempted to make 
imperfect and sacrilegious Confessions ; what, 
then, have you to say to such as labor under this 
temptation ? 

A. When their case is properly considered I can discover 
no cause for shame ; because, though there be shame in 
the sin, yet there is no reason to be ashamed of the repent- 
ance and amendment of the sin. Now, when a man goes to 
Confession, he manifests repentance for his sins ; and if this 
be so good and acceptable an action as to make The Angels 
in Heaven rejoice, why should he be ashamed, and not 
rather approach to the sacred tribunal with joy and comfort ? 
And though he may be under some confusion at reveal- 
ing his sins to his Ghostly Father, yet no thoughts of 
shame ought to discourage him from so doing, because his 
Confessor is bound to secrecy by all laws human and di- 
vine, and cannot reveal what is told him in Confession 
without making himself worthy of death before God and 
man. Yet there can be no danger of his being scandalized, 
even though the crimes acknowledged be ever so foul, be- 
cause, though he must necessarily be concerned, when ho 
knows any one to continue under the guilt of sin, yet he 
cannot but rejoice when he finds him forsaking his sins, and, 



FOR CONFESSION. 



41 



by repentance, returning to a new life. Then it is that, like 
the father of the prodigal son, he expresses more joy in the 
return of such a sinner than in the good life of others who 
stand not in need of repentance ; for there is more satis- 
faction in finding the lost sheep than in the possession of 
the ninety-nine that never went astray. It being then in 
the power of a repenting sinner to make Heaven and Earth, 
God, Angels, and Man to rejoice, I think he can have no 
reason to be ashamed of so doing. And should he be 
ashamed, yet still he ought to do it in punishment of his 
sins, Vvdiich perhaps justly deserve disgrace and eternal con- 
fusion ; for who would not choose to blush and be ashamed 
for one moment before A Ghosrly Father rather than be 
exposed at the last day to public confusion in the presence 
of Angels and Men, and thus begin a miserable eternity 1 
God alv/ays knows his crimes, and if he requires him to 
expose them to His Minister, it is for their cure ; ought he 
not then to consider it as a singular mercy, that for the 
pardon of such sins as deserve Hell he should require so 
little? If a criminal guilty of death were to obtain his 
pardon on condition of his confessing his crime in private 
to his judge, would not he be discharged on very easy 
terms '? What reason then has a sinner to complain of the 
like easy conditions which God here offers him for the 
remission of his sins, the quiet of his conscience, and the 
avoiding eternal damnation ? 

AT CONFESSIO^^-. 

Being come to his Spiritual Director, let him kneel 
down on his right side, if convenient, with his face tov/ards 
the Craciiix, and having made the sign of the cross, ask his 
blessing, saying. Pray, Futher, give me your blessing ; then say 
The General Confession to the words, through my most griev- 
ous fault ; " and, without further preamble, begin his con- 
fession thus : " Since my .last confession, which was a 

week, fortnight, or a month ago, I accuse myself that ■ 

And having sincerely declared all he can remember, let 
him conclude thus : " For these and all my other sins and 
imperfections, which I cannot call to mind, I am heartily 
sorry, purpose amendment, and humbly beg pardon of 
God and Penance and Absolution of you, my Ghostly 
4*' 



42 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



Father." Then, humbly bowing down, go on with the rest 

of The General Confession, Therefore, I beseech The Blessed 
Virgin Mary^^ &c. Having thus linished what depends on 
him, let him attentively listen to the advice of his Director, 
and when he gives him absolution endeavor to humble his 
heart with all possible sorrow and contrition. 

INSTRUCTIONS AFTER CONFESSION. 

Q. What should the penitent do when he re- 
turns from Confession ? 

A. He ought to retire a while, and after returning thanks 
to God for the benefits received in this Sacrament renew 
his good purposes and resolutions, reflect on the obligation 
he is under of avoiding all the sins he has confessed, and 
embrace the means for the amendment of his failings, but 
especially of those he apprehends to be most dangerous, 
and to which he faids himself most subject; for the person 
who. as soon as he has done his Confession, thinks no more 
of his sins, nor of the danger he is in of relapsing, nor of 
the means he is to use for avoiding them, does his vrork by 
halves, and will soon find it undone. Therefore he ought 
to humble himself in the presence of Almighty God and 
most earnestly pray for grace and strength whereby he may 
be enabled to acquit him,self of his duty, fly the occasion of 
sin, and resist all temptations to evil. Then let him resign 
himself to The Divine Protection, and not depart till he 
has begged pardon for all the defects in his present or past 
Confessions, to be supplied through the infinite merits of 
Jesus Christ. 

Q. Then you do not approve of those who, a55 
soon as they return from Confession, turn their 
thoughts immediately to other affairs, or engage in 
unnecessary conversation, &c. ? 

A. If there be any that do so, without being compelled 
by some extraordinary accident or circumstance, besides 
the great indecency, I look upon them as failing in all 



FOR CONFESSION. 



43 



those points of their duty before mentioned : and as they 
expect the grace of God for the amendment of their sins, 
they are bound to adopt a better method. 




PRAYERS AFTER CONFESSION. 

RETURN Tiiee thanks, O 
_ loving Father, for having ad- 
mitted me to this Sacrament, 
wherein, suffering Thy Mer- 
cy to take place of Thy Jus- 
tice, Thou hast cast all my 
.y^^f sins out of Thy Sight. Grant 
me now Thy Grace, O Lord, 
that, by a sincere and perfect Contrition, my re- 
pentance may be like that of David and Peter, that 
my offences -being eiTectually remitted, I m.ay here- 
after continue faithful in Thy Service. But this I 
cannot do unless with the aid of Thy Grace : for 
v/ithout it my soul will remain barren and dry, like 
earth without water. I am perfectly sensible of my 
own v/eakness and inability to do any thing that is 
good or acceptable to Thee. The only consolation 
and confidence I have is to raise up my eyes to the 
tears and sufferings of my Savior, that, Thy Justice 
being appeased thereby. Thou mayest open to me 
the -gates of Thy Mercy and receive me into Thy 
Favor. Look down therefore on me w^ith an eye 
of pity, and have compassion on my miseries. O 
meek and merciful Lord, strike this hard and ob- 
durate heart of mine, that it may burst forth into 
a fountain of healing waters — the waters of a 
Sincere Contrition, wherewith m}^ soul may be 
cleansed and purified. Perfect the v/ork Thou hast 



44 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



begun in me, for I am Thy creature ; and grant 
that the Confession I have made may be accept- 
able in Thy sight, and that whatever is wanting 
towards its perfection through my w^eakness may 
be supplied by Thy infinite goodness and mercy. 
Thy Mercy, therefore, I implore, and through it 
beg pardon of all my sins, firmly purposing in 
Thy Presence to avoid all that may be displeasing 
to Thee, and to apply myself with all diligence to 
the practice of virtue. I hope Thou wait not refuse 
me Thy assistance, since Thou, O Lord, hast 
promised never to forsake those that trust in Thee. 
Permit my heart no longer to be hurried away by 
the follies of this life, nor to experience my weak- 
ness in my w^onted relapses. It is high time I 
should be converted from my evil ways, forsake 
my errors, and amend my failings, since hitherto, 
alas ! so many days and years have elapsed in 
good purposes, but with very little improvement 
of my soul. Command, therefore, O Sovereign 
Lord, ray rebellious heart, and incline it to a com- 
pliance with Thy Law. Subdue all my passions, 
rule my affections, direct my desires, strengthen 
my good endeavors, and give ear to Thy unworthy 
servant. Let not my wickedness make Thee for- 
get Thy Goodness ; for, though my sins cry aloud 
for justice, yet Thou still hast mercy, whereby 
Thou canst save and once more receive me into 
Thy Favor, my God, my Lord, and all my hope, 
Who livest and reignest forever and ever. 

O God of Mercy, ha,ving now, through Thy 
Gracious Goodness, disburdened my conscience 
of the guilt wherewith it v/as oppressed, and, in 



FOR CONFESSIOX. 



45 



the humblest manner I was ab:e, discovered all the 
sins I could recollect to Thy minister, my Ghostly 
Father, I most humbly beseech Thee to accept this 
Confession, and forgive me all my trespasses, as well 
those I have forgot as those I have remembered. 
Grant me grace, O Lord, to live more carefully here- 
after, and to abstain from my former vices, which I 
utterly detest, firmly purposing never to be guilty 
of them any more. But especialh', O most merci- 
ful and bountiful Savior, enable me to withstand those 
temptations with which I am most infested, and to 
avoid all occasions of offending Thee for the future. 
If the just m'an fall seven times, how much more 
reason have I to be watchful of myself, 0 Lord, 
and to fear that I shall not be steadfast in my 
resolutions, having, through m}' own frailty and 
vicious customs, increased the natural bhndness 
and weakness in which I wa,s born. Yet, O Lord, I 
firmly purpose, through Thy Merciful assistance, 
never to consent to any mortal sin, from which I 
humbly beseech Thee to preserve me whilst I live ; 
and as to my venial sins and imperfections, I resolve 
to strive against them, and hope, through Thy 
Goodness, at length to amend them. For this end 
grant me Thy Grace, Sweet Jesus, to be diligent 
in examining my conscience every night, and each 
morning happily to begin the day by or:l ;ino' to 
Thee the first fruits of all my actions, that the 
rest of it may be incessantly employed to Thy 
Glory. As to the penance enjoined me, I humbiy 
crave Thy Assistance for the remembering and 
performing it as I ought, and that 1 may never for- 
get my resolutions, or lay aside my endeavors of 



46 



IXSTHUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



changing my life, till at length I become a true 
penitent, and put on the new man, that so, through 
the merits of Thy Blessed Passion, I may here 
obtain the full pardon of my sins, and hereafter 
life everlasting. Grant this, O my Lord and Sa- 
vior Jesus Christ, Who, with God The Father and 
The Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, world without 
end. Ameii. 

OF HABITUAL SIN. 

Q. Is there anything else belonging to this part 
of The Sacrament? 

A. Nothing ; and yet, since Penance was ordained for the 
amendraent of life, I cannot refrain from repeating this ad- 
vice to the Penitent before he concludes — to make a short 
refxection on the sins he has committed, and the means 
wherehy he is to endeavor at an effectual amendment. 
Wherefore, suppose he had accused himself of neglect in 
saying his prai/ers, ^yil\ his resolution of amendment be to 
any purpose if. vrhen he goes next to prayers, he takes no 
more care than formerly ? Or, suppose he has accused 
himself of offending in "vvords, by Jy>>ig, swearing, detracting^ 
or indecent language, must not he, when he comes next into 
company, think something of the failings to which he has 
been subject, and strive to amend them by keeping a strict 
watch over himself ? otherwise, what becomes of all his good 
purposes of amendment ? Or, if company, had books, pkigs, 
or games, have been the occasion of his offend ino; God, 
what will all his Confessions and resolutions avail if after- 
wards he takes no care to forsake them and cast them off? 
"Will it not be evident that his repentance v/as not sincere 1 
It is therefore necessary that the Penitent should daily 
make the review of his conduct, which ought to form a 
part of the examination of his conscience everg night, as 
there can be no better method of putting the sincerity of 
his repentance, or validity of his Confessions, to the proof, 
than by thus inquiring v/hether he takes the necessary pre- 
cautions against relapsing into the same sins again ; for, if 



FOR CONFESSION. 



47 



he exhibits little, or perhaps none, of this diligence in his 
conduct, he may then justly suspect that neither his repent- 
ance nor Confession has been so well made as they should 
be. It may not. indeed, be always in his power to amend ; 
but surely he can have no excuse, if he does not at least 
desire and use Ids utmost endeavors in order to it. 

Q. AVhat think you then of such as accuse 
themselves of habitual sins as often as they go to 
Confession ? Are their former Confessions invalid 
because they relapse into the same sin again ? 

A. If they use the means recommended by a prudent 
Director to subdue them, and are concerned and a:Sicted 
to find themselves so fraih their Confession may be good 
and valid. Bur if those who are subject to swearing, curs- 
ing, drinking, or any other vicious customs, go to Confes- 
sion, pretend to repent, and resolve upon amendment, and 
afterwards use not the proper means for overcoming those 
vicious habits, such, I am persuaded, have just reason to 
suspect their repentance to be false. And should they pre- 
sume frequently to approach This Sacred Tribunal, and 
still repeat the same mortal sins over and over again, 
without due care and pains for their amendment, they 
ought to be dismissed without Absolution, never again to 
be admitted, till upon sufficient trial they give evident 
proofs of their sincere desires and endeavors of reforming 
their lives : and till this has been manifested in two or three 
Confessions, it may be very proper not to allow them to 
approach the Holy Communion. All this is to be under- 
stood of the habit of mortal sin. 

Q. Before we quit this subject, tell me what 
advice you have to give those tender sort of Chris- 
tians who, though desirous to do their duty, yet, 
upon the least oversight or imperfection, ^re so 
peevish, angry, and dejected as to conclude all 
their endeavors to be to no purpose } 

A. Such persons want patience and meekness towards 



48 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



tlieraselves. Their dejection originates generally in a cer- 
tain pride which makes them troubled to see themselves so 
imperfect. Let these persons, therefore, be heartily sorry 
for the faults to which they are subject, and take pains to 
amend them, not in the spirit of anger, but of meekness ; 
for such a repentance is the most acceptable and efficacious. 
And if they perceive themselves not to mend so quickly 
as they could wish, let them from thence learn to humble 
themselves the more, and firmly resolve to persevere in 
their good endeavors till God shall please to give them a 
blessing. See St. Francis de Sales on this subject , Introduc- 
tion to a Devout Life, part iii. c. 9. 

Q. I have one question more to ask : suppose a 
person, after due examination, cannot recollect 
some of his sins, or should forget them whilst at 
Confession, are these likewise forgiven by The 
Sacrament ? 

A. Certainly ; for since he would then willingly have 
confessed them, if he had remembered them, it is not to be 
questioned but God, Who knows the sincerity of his heart, 
will accept of his good desires and grant him a full discharge. 

OF THE THIRD PART^OF PENANCE, VIZ., SATIS- 
FACTION. 

Q, What do you mean by Satisfaction ? 

A. The performance of The Penance enjoined The Peni- 
tent by his Confessor, wiiich, through the merits of Jesus 
Christ, may be accepted by God, in order to satisfy the in- 
jury offered to Him by every sin he has committed. 

Q. How is this Penance to be performed ? 

A. In the spirit of true humility, repentance, and devo- 
tion : therefore, those who perform it in a careless and in- 
different manner, who are ignorant of the obligations of a 
Penitent, or insensible of the mercy of God in the remission 
of their sins, can expect but little assistance from Heaven 



FOR COrsFESSlON. 



49 



for the prevention of future relapses. What jud^mmt. 
then, can thev form of themselves, who, before they have per- 
formed their Penance, relapse into their wonted coldness 
and wilful negligence, and only seem to quit the Confes- 
sional to beget matter for a new Confession 1 

Q. Ought a Penitent to perform any other pen- 
ance besides that which is enjoined him at Con- 
fession ? 

A. Yes : because the penalties enjoined in Confession 
are much inferior to the punishment due to our sins, and, 
therefore, when he hath performed his penance, he hath still 
reason to apprehend more punishment from divine justice, 
for which reason (according to The Council of Trent), the 
life of a good Christian ougld to be a perpetual penance. The 
True Penitent daily renews the detestation of his sins, and 
often imposes some penance on himself, either by the re- 
cital of some prayers, giving alms, or abstinence as to eat- 
tng. talking, seeing, diversion, &c., for the making satisfaction 
for the injuries done to God. In the same penitential spirit 
he submits to all the evils of life, offering up to Alm.ighty 
God all his distempers of body, troubles of mind, disgust, 
losses, necessities, atfiicLions. either public or private, and 
especially all the pains and hardships he is obliged to suffer 
in the state wherein God had placed him : for these being 
so many penances appointed by God for his punishment, 
there can be no doubt that the bearing them patiently is a 
most acceptable satisfaction to the divine justice. Kow, as 
this method is profitable for all Christians, so it seems most 
necessary for such as have contracted an ill habit of falling 
into any sort of sin ; for, if they sincerely desire to subdue 
it, they can apply no means more effectual than to add to 
their good purposes and endeavors certain penalties to be 
inflicted for every time they fall into it; suppose, for ex- 
ample, there were appointed for every offence a quarter 
of an hour's reading of a good book, or praying, or giving 
alms, or some self-denial, which every one in their own cir- 
cumstances might find proper, might it not be reasonably 
hoped that this would gradually awaken their care, make 
them more v/atchful over their words and actions, and 
5 



50 



INSTR"UCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



at length restrain them from offending? Besides, since 
Almighty God often makes use of his scourge to awaken 
sinners and deter them from pursuing those evil courses, 
surely it cannot be amiss for Penitents to follow the course 
of His Divine Providence, and hope their endeavors will 
be finally crowned with success. This their dili,2:ence will, 
at least in some measure, assure their Ghostly Pather that 
though not thoroughly reclaimed, yet they sincerely desire 
it; and who can doubt but they who /thus endeavor to 
amend, though they may for a time find it difficult to con- 
quer their peiwerse ^ inclinations, yet will at length be 
favored with succor from above, and, by the help of divine 
grace, be proof against all the assaults of the enemy. Thus 
having concisely stated the principal duties of those who 
desire to approach worthily to The Sacrament of Penance, 
I hope that as many as make use of them will find their 
recompense in the full remission of their sins. 



INSTRUCTIONS FOR COMMUNION. 

Chap. 1. — Of General Preparation lefore Re- 
ceiving. 

Q. When a person has, by Good Confession, 
received Absolution and obtained pardon of his 
sins, may he then go immediately to Communion ? 

A. There may be circumstances in which he may be al- 
lowed ; but it ought never be done by those who have an 
opportunity or liberty of doing otherwise ; and therefore I 
cannot but greatly disapprove of the practice of those who 
run immediately from. The Confessional to The Communion 
Table without making any particular preparation for this 
most holy duty. 

Q. What may be your reasons for disallowing 
this practice ? 

A. Because, though Confession be a preparation for re- 
ceiying The Blessed Sacrament, yet there is another prep- 



FOR COIMMUNION. 



51 



aration for those who desire to partake of the fruit that 
maybe gathered from this tree of life; and such as neglect 
to add this hitter preparation to the former, are deprived of 
the better part of this fruit. 

Q. What time do you require between Confes- 
sion and Communion? 

A. rather Lewis of Grenada thinks it proper for a Peni- 
tent to go to Confession three days before he intends to 
communicate : and this may be very profitable for such as 
are subject to any habitual sin^ that, in the mean time, they 
may put their good purposes of amendment to trial : for, 
believe me, those who dare not trust their good endeavors, 
under the assistance of divine grace, so long, will, I fear, 
prove no extraordinary communicants by going sooner, as 
they seem not to think of taking much pains in order to 
amend their lives. 

Q. But for others, who are subject to ordinary 
failings, what do you advise ? 

A. It is a very good practice to go to Confession the 
evening before, and communicate the morning following. 
The Vigils and Eves of Festivals are penitential days, and 
seem intended by The Church, not only for fasting, humili- 
ations, and prayer, but likewise for Repentance and Confes- 
sion ; and I would advise those who have the opportunity 
of so doing not to fait complying with this intention of The 
Church, instead of putting off their Confession till the very 
day of The Festival, by which they shorten the time of pre- 
paring for Communion, and are on great solemnities em- 
ployed in the works of penance, instead of performing acts 
of joy, praise, and thanksgiving^ which is most certainly in- 
verting the order of things. 

Q. But what must they do ^who have not this 
opportunity ? 

A. My advice is, that such as cannot go conveniently 
over night to Confession should go as early as possible the 
next morning ; that so they msij be more at leisure to em- 



52 



instrugtio:ns and devotio:\S 



ploy their thoughts in preparing for Communion, and make 
one work of both. 

Q. What think you of those who, havhig but 
little leisure, employ the time betwixt Confession 
and Communion in saying their penance? 

A. Such as go over night to Confession do well to per- 
form their penance that evening : but as for those who are 
straitened in time, I think that after Confession they should 
wholly employ their thoughts towards disposing their souls 
to Communion, and defer their penance till afterwards ; 
though not put it off too long, or neglect it, for it seem.s 
very improper to go to Communion reciting The Penitential 
Psalms, which require a more peculiar sort of devotion to 
prepare our souls for that divine banquet. 

Q. What think you of those who, between Con- 
fession and Communion, are agitated with fear and 
solicitude lest they should have omitted something 
in Confession ; so that though they regularly apply 
themselves to prepare for Communion, yet this 
thought continually perplexes them, even at the 
moment of Communion ? 

A. Such, certainly, stand in need of a Discreet Director, 
to deliver them from so mischievous an indiscretion ; for 
though it be the indispensable duty of a penitent, after a 
diligent examination of conscience, to make an entire and 
sincere Confession of his sins, yet after Confession, when 
his mind should be occupied in preparing for the Commu- 
nion, a voluntary admitting of such solicitous thoughts, 
under the color of fearing to go to Communion unprepared, 
is only a bait of the enemy, by which many are caught who 
might have communicated worthily, if such thoughts had 
not in some manner rendered them unprepared 

Q. But if, after Confession, any mortal sin 
should come into his mind which, till then, he had 



FOR COMMUNION. 



53 



forgot, ought not he to return to his Director and 
confess it before he communicates ? 

A. Certainly ; bnt there is a great difference between 
him to whom this happens by accident and the other you 
spoke of before, who is of so anxious a temper as never to 
have done confessing : who starts at every fancy, and is so 
much disturbed as to imagine every flying thought a mor- 
tal sin. Such a one ought to be restrained from going again 
to Corjfession. and encouraged to rest satisfied with acting 
according to the directions of his Ghostly Father, as the 
best rule he can follow ; because, while he is conscious of 
being sui^ject to unreasonable frights, he has just reason to 
suspect his own judgment ; and on whose judgment ought 
he then to depend, if not on that of his Ghostly Father, 
whose office it is to direct those under his care '? 

CiiAP. 2. — Instructions on the devotion proper 
before receiving The Holy Communion. 

When a person, by a Good Confession, has cleansed his 
soul from sin, and taken effectual care not to introduce The 
Author of light into a place of darkness ; when he has en- 
deavored, by prayer, meditation, and other holy exercises, 
to free himself from all affections to venial sin; when his 
heart is not agitated by passions or affections of any kind, 
which may prevent the sole application of his thoughts to 
Jesus Christ (for, though these defects may not render him 
altogether unworthy, yet they considerably diminish the 
fruit of The Holy Communion, by producing effects which 
are prejudicial to the soul) : when a person, I say, has at- 
tained thus far, let him then apply himself to such devotions 
as seem more immediately to dispose his soul for receiving 
The Holy Communion. First, tlien, let him reflect that 
the intent wherewith he is to communicate ought to be the 
very same which Christ Himself had when He instituted 
The Sa.crament, viz. : That lit mir/ht abide in iis and ive 
in Rim ; " that so, by receiving Tiie Blessed Sacrament, 
he may imbibe the spirit of Christ, and be transformed into 
Him ; that is, live as He lived, vrith the same Charity, Hu- 
miUty, Patience, Obedience, Poverty of spirit, &c., that, 



54 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



being thus dead to sin, the life of Christ mny be fully 
manifested in him. To this general intention he may add 
8ome particular end; as to obtain grace for tlie siibduing 
of such a passion, resisting such temptations, advancing 
in such a virtue, in thanksgiving for such blessings, &c. ; 
but never omitting, as often as he communicates, to renew 
the memory of Christ's Passion, and return him thanks for 
the inestimable benefits of our fiedemption. 

Q. Having thus proposed to himself the end 
for which he is to communicate, what is he to do 
next ? 

A, He must think of putting his soul in such a state as 
may render it a becoming and acceptable habitation for the 
divine guest whom he intends to receive ; for though his 
soul may, by Confession, be purified from the filth of sin, 
yet it still ought to be adorned in a suitable manner: as 
when a palace is preparing for the reception of a prince, is 
it not essential to cleanse it from all that is filthy and unbe- 
coming, and also to decorate it with such furniture and or- 
naments as are suitable to its illustrious inhabitant ? In 
like manner, when a soul is preparing to become the pal- 
ace of The King of Heaven, it may have all its filth indeed 
cast out by Contrition and a Good Confession, but where 
is the royal furniture and ornaments for the abode of The 
Divine Majesty 1 

Q. Certainly this is very necessary ; but what 
are these ornaments ? 

A. They must be spiritual ones, for such are most ac- 
ceptable to God ; and since he has exhorted us to believe 
in Him, trust in Him, and love Him above all things, there- 
fore, before a Penitei,it goes to Communion, he should for 
some time exercise himself in these divine virtues, that so, 
when The Lord enters into his soul, he may find it animated 
by Faith, elevated by Hope, and inflamed with Charity ; 
for these are the ornaments and the furniture most proper 
for a soul that desires to give her Lord a grateful and ac- 
ceptable entertainment. To these may be added acts of 
Humility, Fear, Thanksgiving, &c., which will serve as addi- 



FOR COMMUNION. 



55 



tional embellishmsnts to adorn, or as incense to perfume 
the house wherein The Heavenly Guest is to be lodged. 
To assist you on this occasion, I will here lay before you a 
form, according to the most approved authors, whereby 
these virtues may be practised, which you may use accord- 
ing to your devotion and leisure ; not in a cursory manner, 
but with all possible attention and recollection ; for it must 
ever be remembered that The Sacraments work their effects 
according to the disposition of the receiver, so that it is 
here as with those who go to fetch water from an inex- 
haustible fountain, every one brings home according to the 
measure of the vessel they carry with them. If, then, you 
desire plenty of grace, see that you carry a heart well pre- 
pared, and so large as not to be satisfied or filled with any 
less than God Himself : and whilst you recite these prayers 
with your lips, endeavor to engrave them in your heart in 
the most afi'ectionate manner. 



AN ACT OF FAITH. 



f^^^C ^ ORD Jesus Christ, I firmly be- 
WJ^ lieve that Thou art really pres- 
^^^Vf^ Gnt in The Blessed Sacrament : 
^ --^-'^ ^ believe it contains Thy Body 
id Blood, accompanied by 
- hy Soul and Divinity. I 
acknowledge these truths ; I 
zrr- ^.c , f , believe these wonders ; I 
adore Thy Power that has wrought them ; I praise 
Thy Infinite Goodness that has prepared them for 
me ; and, witli David, I say from the bottom of 
my heart, " I icill praise Thee, ray God, loith my 
icliole heart, and will recount all Thy Admirable 
JVo7^ks ; I loill rejoice in Thee, and Mess Thy 
Holy Name^ In this Faith, and with this ac- 
knov/ledgment, I presume to approach this Adora- 



56 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



ble Banquet, wherein Thou bestowest on me the 
divine food of Thy Body and Blood, to satiate my 
soul with Thyself and Thy Holy Spirit. Grant, 6 
Jesus, that I may approach Thee with such a pro- 
found sense of Reverence and Humility as are due 
to Thy Infinite Majesty. Who am I, O my God, 
that Thou shouldst v/ork such w^onders for my 
sake? Grant, O Lord, that I be not altogether 
unworthy of them, and that I may now receive 
Thee with a pure heart, a clean conscience, and 
a sincere and Lively Faith. Pardon my sins which 
have rendered me most unworthy to approach 
Thee ; I detest them from the bottom of my heart, 
because they are displeasing to Thee, my God ; 
I renounce them forever, and promise to be faith- 
ful to Thee. Take courage, then, my soul, raise 
thyself up, go and receive thy God, and with Flim 
all the favors He has prepared for thee in this Di- 
vine Sacrament. 



AN ACT OF HOPE. 

In Thee, Sweet Jesus, I place all my hope, be- 
cause Thou alone art my Salvation, my Strength, 
my Refuge, and the Foundation of all my Happi- 
ness : and were it not for the confidence I place 
in Thy Merits, and in the Precious Blood v/here- 
with Thou hast redeemed me, I vvould not presume 
to partake of this Banquet. Encouraged, there- 
fore by Thy Goodness, behold I come to Thee as 
a poor and infirm sheep to its shepherd ; as one 
sick to his physician ; as a condemned criminal 
to his powerful intercessor ; that, as the true Shep- 



FOR cor-iruUxioN. 



57 



herd of my soul, ThoTi mayest strengihen me : 
heal me as my physician ; and as my merciful 
advocate, dehver me from the sentence of sin and 
death. I, who am an abyss of nothing, invoke 
Thee, Who art the abyss of all goodness ; for 
though my sins are innumerable and very grievous, 
yet they are but light and trivial when compared 
to Thy Boundless Mercy and the Infinite Ransom 
of Thy Blood. It is in this mercy, then, O Lord, 
that I put all my trust, and am pleased that I can 
find nothing in myself wherein to hope, that so I 
may put my whole trust in Thee. Have pity 
therefore on me, my Jesus, and save me, for Thou 
forsakest none that place their hopes in Thee. 

AN ACT OF CHARITY. 

How strong was the force of Thy Love, my 
Dear Eedeemer, when, being about to depart out 
of this world to Thy Eternal Father, Thou pro- 
videdst for us this Divine Banquet, enriched with 
the sweetness of Heaven and delight of Angels ! 
Ah, it was through the wonderful effects of Thy 
Divine Goodness that Thou didst humble Thyself 
to such an excess for our Eedemption as to take 
upon Thee the infirmity of cur nature. And is it 
not through an infinite excess of Thy Love that 
Thou hast left us Tin- Body and Blood for the 
food and nourishment of our souls, that, as Thou 
didst unite Tllyself to our humanity, so we might 
here be made partakers of Thv Divinity: In re- 
turn for this Thy Infinite Love, I desire to love Thee, 
my Jesus, who art my only comfort in this place of 



5S 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



banishment, the only hope of my infirm soul, and 
happiness above all I can enjoy in this life. I love 
Thee, my God, with my whole heart, with my 
whole soul, vv^ith all my mind, and all my strength ; 
and wish that, as every moment is an increase of 
my hfe, so it may be also of my love towards 
Thee. I desire, with all the affections and powers 
of my soul, that, as the utmost-thanks are due, so 
they may be returned to Thee by all the Faithful, 
for this divine food, which is our refreshment, sup- 
port, strength, and defence in all our miseries ; 
and that miy love may never cease, inflame my 
heart with the fire of Heaven, that it may continue 
burning till nature and corruption, being weakened 
and consumed, I may at length be transformed 
into Thee. Come, O Lord, hasten to release me 
once more from the bonds of sin, and prepare me 
for the blessing Thou art now about to bestow on 
me. 

AN ACT OF DESIEE. 

As the wearied hart thirsts after the fountains 
of water, so doth my soul pant after Thee, my 
Savior, my Lord, and my Jesus. It ardently loves 
to drink of those fountains which Thy love has 
opened for its comfort and relief. Tired, there- 
fore, of my own evil ways, I now return hungry 
and thirsty, crying out aloud, Have mercy on me, 
O Son of God, and permit me to taste of Thy Ban- 
quet, that my soul may be refreshed. O that I 
had the affections of the Heavenly Spirits, that my 
soul might truly languish after Thee, The Foun- 
tain of Life, 'of Wisdom, and of Eternal Light, the 



FOR co3i:ir^^ioN. 



59 



impetuous torrent of Celestial Happiness ! O that 
my soul did truly hunger after Thee, The Bread 
of Angels, The Food of Blessed Souls, and that 
all that is v/ithiii me might be delighted with the 
taste of Thy sweetness ! I here despise all human 
consolations, that I may be comforted by Thee, my 
only Good, my C4od and Savior, Whom 1 love above 
all things, and desire to entertain within my breast 
with as much devotion and affection as is conceived 
by Thy Chosen Servants who now sit at Thy 
table of Celestial Bliss. And however I may have 
been hitherto wanting in my duty, or unjust to 
Thee, in misplacing my affections, I now forever 
renounce my folly and vreakness, and from my 
heart request that, for the future, my joy, my be- 
lief, my treasure and rest, may be entirely centred 
in Thee. May I never desire any thing besides 
Thee ; and may alh things seem contemptible and 
as nothing Vvithout Thee, my God. 

AN ACT OF THAXKSGIVIXG. 

Who am I, 0 God of infinite goodness, that 
Thou shouldst permit me to partake of this Bread 
of Angels ? How have I found such favors in Thy 
sight as to be the subject of so unspeakable a 
m.ercy? Come, all ye Angels and Saints of God, 
and I will recount to you what great things our 
Lord has done for my soul. He has raised me 
out of the dust and delivered me from the bonds 
of sin ; he has told rne not to be dejected nor fear- 
ful, for that H^imself will be n:iv support and niy 
strength ; and though I have most unworthily for- 



GO 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



saken Him by my repeated follies, yet befiold He 
calls me back again, and invites me to partake of 
the Bread of Life, that, as he made me, so I may 
ever live by Him. What thanks can I give Thee, 
O merciful Jesus, Savior of the world ? What re- 
turn shall I make Thee for all Thou hast done for 
my soul ? Were I to give all I have in acknowl- 
edgment of Thy Love, it would still be as nothing; 
for Thou, Lord, hast plentifully poured Thyself 
upon me, and even given me all that Thou art — 
Thy Body, Thy Blood, Thy Soul, Thy Divinity ; 
and if, in thanksgiving for Thy Mercies, I were to 
lay before Thee my body and soul, my life, liber- 
ty, and all I possess, what would they be when 
compared to the blessing Thou hast here bestowed 
on me? what to the debt w^e owe, which is in some 
kind equal to what I receive, infinite as Thyself? 

0 God, how far is this above my means ? I have, 
however, one great request to make (for Thou art 
good and merciful, and knovvest my poverty), that 
Thou wouldst vouchsafe to accept this little offer- 
ing I present Thee in the sincerity of my heart, 
saying, with the Spouse in the Canticles, " My 
beloved to me, I to my 'beloved.''' Thou hast mer- 
cifully given Thyself to me for the food of my 
soul ; and now behold I offer Thee all that I have, 
all that I am, all that I possess : to Thee I make a 
full surrender of them all, that, being wholly thine, 

1 may now no longer have any part of myself. 

AN ACT 0? FEAR. 

Being nov/ invited by Thee, Sweet Jesus, to 



FOR C0MMUN10.\. 



61 



come anci partake of Thy Banquet, I could cheer- 
fully obey Thy call and receive Thee with all the 
love and affection of my soul if the consciousness 
of my wickedness did not make me tremble. My 
sins always upbraid me ; and when the voice of 
St. Paul strikes my ear ^ He that eats and drinks 
unworthily, eats and drinks his oion damnation,''^ 
how can 1 but tremble .at the thoughts of ap- 
proaching Thy table ? Alas! if I allow myself 
but the liberty to think, I am confounded, to con- 
sider that, having so often received this Divine 
Food, I should yet remain so frail and miserable, 
or that my heart should be so little fixed on Thee 
as to be instantly wandering amongst vanity and 
folly, and seem more fond of the empty satisfac- 
tion of creatures than of Thee, my only Happi- 
ness. I have frequently resolved to amend, and 
as often sought to make a new covenant, receiving 
Thy Precious Body as the pledge of my engage- 
ments ; and yet, where do I remain but in the 
midst of sin and vice, with my senses disordered, 
my tongue ungoverned, my affections depraved } 
And yet, O God, how little pains do I take to re- 
cover from this misery and return to Thee, to 
Whom 1 have so repeatedly promised to be faith- 
ful ! These thoughts encompass me, O Lord, on 
every side, and cause me to fear that what Thou 
hast mercifully ordained for my Salvation I should 
now receive to my judgment and condemnation. 
What course, then, shall I steer in the midst of 
such difficulties I Shall I fly from before Thy 
face like desponding Cain } or, with Adam, hide 
myself because at the hearing of Thy voice I be- 



62 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



hold myself naked and destitute of all that is good ? 
No, my God ; suffer me rather to fiy to Thee for 
succor and refuge, because I know Thy Mercy 
exceeds my misery and Thy Goodness surpasses 
ray wickedness. If I am defiied, infirm, and 
naked, Thou canst cleanse me, cure, and clothe 
me. To Thee, therefore, I run, O my God, with 
fear and trembHng, to take shelter under the wings 
of Thy Clemency, still hoping that^ notwhhstand- 
ing my unworthiness, Thou wilt pardon my iniqui- 
ties, heal my infirmities, and clothe me with Thy 
Grace. For this end, O Lord, disengage my heart 
from all that divides me from Thee or distracts 
me in my duty; for I own that, in all that tempts 
me, there is nothing but vanity and affliction of 
spirit. O, may my soul no longer relish any 
other sweetness than that of Thy Presence ; may it 
now no longer admire any thing but the greatness of 
Thy Infinite Love, or look for contentment in any 
other object but in Thee alone, The God of my 
heart. 

AN ACT OF HUMILITY. 

O Immense, Pow^erful, and Incomprehensible 
God, who am I that Thou shouldst vouchsafe thus 
to come to be my food and to take Thy habitation 
within my soul ? It is in this I conceive something 
of Thy Infinite Goodness and Mercy, and my own 
miserable baseness and ingratitude. Thou art 
The King of kings and Sovereign Lord of the uni- 
verse, at whose presence the earth tremibles. Thou 
art the Fountain of Holiness, in whose sight the 
Angels themselves are not pure. Thou art the 



POR COMMUNION. 



63 



Bright Sun of Eternal D.ay, Who dwellest in light 
inaccessible. But as to myself, what am I but a 
poor worm of the earth, subject to innumerable 
miseries, distracted with passions, fond of vanity, 
defiled with sin, encompassed with darkness, busy 
about folly, and careless of eternity ? How, then, 
dare I approach Thee, who am thus m.iserable and 
unprepared ? With what confidence can I appear 
before Thee, Most Just Judge, in whose presence 
the very pillars of Heaven tremble? — I, who by 
my sins have run astray from Thee, though Thou 
art present in every place ; I, who have polluted 
my soul, espoused to Thee in baptism, whh filth 
and wickedness, abandoning Thee, my Maker and 
Redeemer, for the love of vanity and deceitful 
pleasures. Thou hast created me from nothing, 
and, by Thy Grace, plentifully furnished me with 
the means of obtaining Eternal Happiness ; and 
how ill a return I made for these blessings, by liv- 
ing in sin, and not being solicitous to please Thee, 
but rather to satisfy my own corrupt inclinations ! 
Thou hast prepared for me a Banquet of heavenly 
sweetness, and I have longed after the flesh pots 
of Egypt. Yet still, O my God of infinite good- 
ness, behold I, who am nothing but dust and ashes, 
presume to speak to Thee. Receive, then. Thy 
unworthy servant into the compassionate arms of 
Thy Mercy, since with so much love and solici- 
tude Thou hast labored for my conversion. I am 
now sensible, O my God, that without Thee I am 
nothing nor can do any thing, and that, without 
the aid of Thy Grace, there is neither life nor sal- 
vation for me. Cast, therefore, all my sins out of 



64 



INSTRUCTlOIvJS AKD BEVOTIOA^S 



Thy sight, and, with the tenderness of A Loving 
Father, extend Thy arms to receive an unworthy 
child who returns to Thee, and let me effectually 
experience the truth of the prophet's words, that 
" A sacrifice to God is mi afflicted spirit,'' and 
that Thou wilt not despise a contrite and humhle 
heart. '^^ 

A PRAYER BEFORE RECEIVING. 

JESUS, it is with fear and 
trembling that I approach 
Thy Banquet, having noth- 
io^ji ing to confide in but Thy 
iill Goodness and Mercy ; being 
II of myself a sinner, destitute 
of all virtue. I fly under 
the wing of Thy Paternal 
^ Protection, hoping Thou wilt 
be my Savior, though I dare not appear before 
Thee as my Judge. To Thee I expose all my 
wounds, to Thee 1 discover all my shame. My 
sins, I confess, are so innumerable and enormous 
as to make me despair, if Thou didst not encour- 
age me to hope in Thy Mercies, which are infinite. 
Look, therefore, on me with the eyes of compas- 
sion, O Lord Jesus Christ, Eternal King, God and 
Man, Who was crucified for the sins of men. 
Have mercy on me, Thou Inexhaustible Fountain 
of Goodness. Hail, saving Victim, offered on the 
cross for me and all mankind ! Hail, Generous 
and Precious Blood, flowing from Thy wounds, 
and washing away the sins of the world ! Re- 
member Thy creature, O Lord, whom Thou hast 




FOR COMMUNION. 



65 



redeemed by Thy Death. I am truly sorry for 
my offences, of which I am resolved to amend. 
Wash away, therefore, all my sms, and blot out 
my iniquities, that, purified in soul and body, I 
m.ay worthily approach The Holy of Holies ; and 
grant that Thy Precious Body and Blood, \vhich 1 
now, though unworthy, am about to receive, may 
avail to a full discharge from the guilt of all my 
crimes, a victory over m.y evil thoughts, the be- 
ginning of a new life, the seed of good works, and 
a sure protection of soul and body against all the 
snares of my enemies. 

ANOTHER. 

O Almighty and Everlasting God, behold I come 
to partake of The Adorable SacramiCnt of The 
Body and Blood of Thy only Son, our Lord Jesus 
Christ. I come as one sick to the physician of life ; 
as one unclean to the fountain of mercy ; as one 
blind to the light of Eternal Glory ; and as one 
poor and distressed to The Lord of Heaven and 
Earth. And I beseech Thee that, in the excess 
of Thy Infinite Bounty, Thou wouldst vouchsafe 
to heal my infirmities, wash away all that defiles, 
remove my blindness, relieve my necessities, 
and clothe me with Thy Grace, that I may receive 
, Thee, The Bread of Angels, King of kings, and 
j Lord of lords, with such reverence and humility, 
i such contrition and deyotioui such purity and faith, 
as may be available to the Salvation of my soul. 
Grant that I may so partake of the same Blessed 
Body which was born of The Virgin Mary in so 
6# 



66 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



worthy a manner as to become a living member 
of His Mystical Body. Grant, Most Loving Fa- 
ther, that I may hereafter behold Thy Beloved Son, 
whom I now desire to receive under the sacra- 
mental veil of bread, and rejoice forever in His 
Presence, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee in 
the unity of The Holy Ghost, One God, world with- 
out end. Amen, 

AT THE TIME OF COMMUNION. 

Q. Is there any thing more to be observed at 
the time of Communion ? 

A. When a person has duly prepared himself, he ought, 
at the time of Communion, to have regard to two things, 
viz., the interior employment of his heart, and a reverent 
exterior comportment of body. As to the first, during the 
Confiteor, he ought to humble himself in acknowledgment 
of his unworthiness, being nothing but dust and ashes, and, 
on account of his sins, rather deserving to be cast out of 
the sight of God than be admitted to this Banquet. Whilst 
the Priest gives the Absolution, let him, with the utmost 
fervor of soul, beg of God to purify his heart by a lively 
Faith, and confidence in the entire remission of all his sins : 
and when the Priest holds the Blessed Sacrament in his 
hands, let him, with the profoundest adoration, pay homage 
to his Lord and Redeemer. At the repetition of " Domine, 
non sum dignus," &c., or, " Lord, I am not worthy," &c., let 
him again, after humbly confessing his unworthiness, place 
his confidence in the power and goodness of God, going on 
with these words, " speak the word, and my soul shall be 
healedP And when he receives The Blessed Sacrament 
within his lips, then ought his heart to be inflamed with 
love, accompanied by a lively Faith and firm Hope in the 
goodness of his Lord ; then ought he to adore and praise 
his God and Redeemer with all the faculties of his soul : 
for since God condescends to make a heaven of his heart, 



FOE COJUIU.MOX. 



67 



by His coming to reside therein, what can he do less than 
endeavor to supply the part of the Angels and Blessed 
Spirits who, in the presence of their Lord, fall down and 
adore Him, giving blessing, and glory, and thanksgiving, 
and honor to Him that sits on the throne, and to the Lamb 
forever and ever. 

Q. How must ho regulate himself as to his 
body r 

A. 1. He must commence fasdng from all kinds of 
meat, drink, physic, &c., from the preceding midnight, ex- 
cept in the extremity of sickness, when The Blessed Sacra- 
ment is received by way of viaticum. 2. As to his dress, 
he ought to be decently attired, so as to be free from all 
appearance of yanity, and yet not so slovenly as to be 
censured for any irreverence or disrespect. Thus habited, 
in going now to the holy table, everv thing ought to be 
laid aside that may occasion disturbance to himself or 
others, as book, hat, gloves, stick, &c. ; then, taking the 
towel and holding it up before his breast, without putting 
it to his mouth, either before or after receiving, let him 
kneel upright, with his eyes directed reverently downwards. 
Let him also be careful not to snatch back his head sudden- 
ly upon receiving The Sacred Host, nor to bend downwards, 
nor raise the towel suddenly to his niouth ; but in this pos- 
ture, haying his lips moderately open, let him receive it on 
his tongue resting on his under lip. and so bring it into 
his mouth : and should a part of The Sacred Host acci- 
dentally stick to the roof of his mouth, let him not be dis- 
quieted, but let it pass gently down. Having in this man- 
ner received The Holy Communion, let him retire for a 
while, and, shutting out all worldly thoughts from his 
heart, there treat with his Lord, and not leave Him till he 
has obtained His blessing: 

Q. What think you of those who, as soon as The 
Mass at which they have communicated is finished, 
retire immediately, or else fall into conversation 
with some acquaintance ? 
A. I think they betray not only strong marks of a want 



68 INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



of piety and devotion, but also of that love, attention, and 
respect which is due to their divine guest. 

Q. Bat suppose business presses, as is frequently 
the case with many, particularly servants, who 
have not their time at command, what can they do ? 

A. I wish there were no others in haste but such as are 
obliged to be so ; but I fear this pretext of business will be 
generally found no more than an excuse for neglect, tepid- 
ity, and indevotion ; for what more important business can 
a Christian have than to treat with his Redeemer concern- 
ing the affairs of his soul ? Ought not all other concerns, 
especially at this time, give way to this '? That business must 
be very pressing indeed which will not admit of so short a 
delay as a quarter of an hour, especially if a man contrives 
to arrange and lay out his affairs beforehand. Alas ! how 
often does it happen that a person quitting his devotion, 
tlius done by halves, on pretext of haste, meets with a 
friend, relation, or fellow-servant on his return home, and. by 
entering into conversation with him, proves evidently that 
lie thinks his business can suffer no prejudice by any delay 
but smth. as is occasioned by prayer. However, if it should 
so happen that he is obliged at this time to quit his devo- 
tion, let him remember v/hat he does when interrupted at 
his dinner, that is, return to it again as soon as he can and 
finish what he left imperfect. 

Q. What devotion is proper after receiving? 

A. Such prayers as follow these instructions, if said wMth 
attention and devotion. But if a person runs them lightly 
over, and then rises up and departs v/ithout allowing him- 
self time to digest this holy food or to reflect on what he 
lias done, hov/ fruitless must his Communion be ! Re- 
member that the end for which a Christian approaches this 
Holy Table is, that, by receiving The Body and Blood of 
his Redeemer, " Christ may abide and dwell in him.''' Can 
anyone, therefore, imagine that this slight, negligent, and 
disrespectful manner of treating our Lord is the proper 
means of obtaining the favor of his abiding and dwelling 
with him " 1 If he runs away from his Lord, can he expect 



FOR COMMUNION. 



69 



his Lord should abide with him ? Attend to the words of 
the Gospel : •• He that eciteth 2dtj Fleali and drinketh My 
Blood abid&iu in me. and I in h//n'' If. therefore, you desire 
that Christ should abide with vou. abide thou in Hini. This 
he absolutely requires: and believe me, those who think it 
tedious to remain a wiiile with their Lord have too great 
reason to fear that they no sooner turn their backs on thi^j 
heavenly guest but he likewise forsakes them. 

Q. What do you mean by Christ abiding in us ? 

A. That, as a man lives by the food he eats, so a Chris- 
tian who eats of The Bread of Life, which is Christ, 
should live by Christ, and hiwe Him abiding in him. So 
that, having received Ciirist. he ouaht now no longer to act 
according to his pas-ions, but, being cjuite dead to them, 
act wholly according to this new principle of life, and make 
it appear to all men. that it is not now himself, but Christ 
that lives in him. Xow, this supposes an entire change of 
life and manners : a work so great and vronderful as to re- 
quire the powerful assistance of that Divine Guest Vrho 
comes not only to visit, but likewise to comfort, strengthen, 
and raise the soul above Himself. Is it not, then, neces-, 
sary that, after Communion, a person should treat with the 
Lord about these affairs, lay before Him his necessities, 
crave his help arid grace, consider what he was. vrhat faults 
he has to amend, and what he ought to be : as likewise 
the precautions he ought to take against relapsing into his 
former follies, weaknesses, neglects, sins, and bad habits. 



TRAYERS AFTER COMML'?s'IOX. 





\ 



.J 



ORD God, Eternal Father, I 
return Thee thanks for hav- 
ing; out of Thy Pure Mercy, 
V "rbc'it any desert of rnine, 
been pleased to feed my soul 
with The Body and Blood of 
Thine Only Son ; and I be- 
seech Thee that this Holy 



70 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



Communion may not be to my condemnation, but 
available to the effectual remission of all my sins. 
May it strengthen my Faith, encourage me in the 
practice of good works, deliver me from my 
vicious customs, remove from me all concupiscence, 
perfect me in Charity, Patience, Humility, Obedi- 
ence, and all other Virtues. May it secure me 
against all the snaVes of my enemies, visible and 
invisible ; prudently moderate my inclinations, 
both carnal and spiritual ; closely unite me to Thee, 
The only True God, and finally settle me in un- 
changeable bliss, by admitting me, though an un- 
worthy sinner, to be a guest at that Divine Banquet 
where Thou, with The Son and The Holy Ghost, 
art The True Light, Eternal Fulness, Everlasting 
Joy, and Perfect Happiness of all the Saints ; 
through the same Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 

ANOTHER. 

Inflame now. Dear Jesus, my heart with the fire 
of pure Love and perfect Charity, that my soul 
may desire Thee. May all my affections be fixed 
on Thee, The Eternal Good. May my thoughts 
ever dwell on the mansions of happiness, and my 
soul long to be dissolved and dwell with Thee. 
Grant, O Lord, that I may ever hunger after Thee, 
The Bread of Angels, The Banquet of blessed 
souls, our daily and divine bread, abounding with 
all the sweetness that can possibly delight the 
taste. May my soul delight to feed on Thee, and 
be filled with Thy Sweetness, Who art The Bread 
of Angels. May my soul ever thirst after Thee, 



FOR COM^IUNION. 



71 



the source of wisdom and knowledge, the fountain 
of eternal light, the torrent of divine pleasure, and 
fulness of the house of God. May it ever desire 
Thee, seek Thee, find Thee, and proceed on till it 
happily arrives in Thy Presence. May its thoughts 
be incessantly fixed on Thee. Of Thee may I 
always speak, and perform all my actions for the 
praise and glory of Thy Name, with humility and 
discretion, love and delight, ease and affection ; 
and so persevere to the end. Thus mayest Thou 
alone be my Hope, my Strength, my Treasure, 
my Peace, my Food, my Refuge, my Help, my 
Wisdom, my Portion, and Possession. In Thee 
may my thoughts and heart ever be so firmly fixed 
as not to be in the power of any creature to sepa- 
rate me from Thee. 



AN ACT OF PRAISE AND ADORATION AND FAITH. 

^^ ^^^ FRAisE and glorify Thy 



W^^^ Blessed Name, O my God, 
M for the m.any favors Thou hast 
now bestowed on me, and for 
all the blessings wherewith 
^ Thou hast enriched my soul, 
■^^M after the many miseries and 
wants I have suffered, when, 
by my pleasures and passions, I had departed from 
Thee. Alas ! was not I most miserably blind, to 
expect contentment and happiness, when, by my 
folly, neglect, and indevotion, I removed myself 
at a distance from Thee? But such was Thy 
Goodness as to withdraw me from the precipice 




72 INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



whither I was running, enlightening me with Thy 
ray, and, by the inspiration of Thy Grace, inviting 
me to return. Thou hast pardoned all my sins, 
and, to crown all these favors, Thou hast now come 
to visit me, that Thou mightest forever abide in 
me, and I in Thee. O my God, be Thou forever 
blessed for all these infinite mercies. Bless The 
Lord, my soul, and let all that is within me praise 
and magnify His Holy Name. Bless The Lord, 
and see thou forget not the favors He has done 
thee. He has pardoned all thy offences and cured 
thy infirmities. He has preserved thee from death, 
and crowned thee with the effects of his bounty. 
He has satisfied thy hunger with good things, and 
replenished thee with all the blessings thou couldst 
desire. And oughtest not thou to resolve on a 
change of life, and, renewing thy forces, grow 
young, like the eagle, in His service ? Let Thy 
Grace, then, O Lord, be ever at hand to assist 
me, for the experience of my own weakness makes 
me fearful ; and if Thou support me not, I most 
certainly shall fall again. Be Thou, therefore, my 
shield and defence. Grant me a firm and con- 
stant Faith, and strengthen it, not only with regard 
to this mystery, but all other Christian truths and 
principles of Eternal Life, that by the help thereof 
I may overcome all such difficulties as I may have 
to encounter in my journey to that state of bliss 
for which I was created. 



OF HOPE AND RESOLUTION. 



I adore Thy Infinite Goodness, O Divine Majes- 



FOR COMjIUNION. 



73 



ty, Who fillest both Heaven and Earth, and art 
adored by all the Blessed Spirits, Angels, and 
Saints, who, without ceasing, praise and cry out 
before Thee : Holy, HoJy^ AoJi/, Lord God of 
Sahaoth.'' Is it possible that Thou shouldst con- 
descend to visit the most unworthy of all Thy 
servants, and desire to dwell within him ? If the 
Heavens, nay, the Heaven of Heavens, cannot 
contain Thee, how much less this habitation which 
I have prepared for Thy reception ? But Thy 
Goodness, O great God, knows well how to hum- 
ble itself, when it is for our good. Thou knowest 
how to conceal the dazzling splendor of Thy 
Glory, and condescend to our weak capacity, that 
so Thou mayest communicate Thyself to us the 
more freely. This Thou didst, not only at the 
time of Thy Adorable Incarnation, when Thou 
madest Thyself like to us, the more forcibly to 
attract our love to Thee, but also vvhen Thou didst 
institute this Mystery, wherein Thou gavest Thy- 
self to us for the food and nourishment of our 
souls, the more closely to unite us to Thyself, and 
make us aspire to that Celestial Banquet Thou 
hast prepared for The Blessed in Heaven. O God, 
grant me the grace, so eagerly to long after this 
Eternal Banquet that the desire of hereafter en- 
joying it may make me despise all the goods and 
pleasures of this life, and labor incessantly to pre- 
pare myself, till I am happily admitted amongst 
Thy Guests. There is one resolution which I 
here make in Thy Presence, viz., to renounce all 
my irregular and corrupt afiections, for they often 
press me to forsake the v/ay of Thy Command- 
7 



74 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



ments, and put me in danger of forfeiting my title 
to Eternal Happiness: but behold I now desire to 
wean my heart from them entirely, that I may 
place my whole love and confidence in Thee alone. 
For this end I am firmly resolved to watch over 
all my actions, fly from sin, and avoid whatever 
may be displeasing to Thee. I will labor to work 
out my Salvation by observing Thy Precepts ; and 
as I have resolved, so I hope to be faithful to Thee. 
But this resolution I acknowledge myself unable 
to perform without the help of Thy Grace, which 
I most humbly implore. O Jesus, save me, con- 
duct me through the ways of Thy Commandments, 
in which I now begin to walk with courage and 
perseverance. Incline my heart to love Thy Di- 
vine Truths ; divert my eyes from beholding vain 
objects ; enliven and strengthen me in the paths 
of virtue and good works, and attract me so power- 
fully to Thyself that I may follow Thee as far as 
Heaven, where Thou livest and reignest for all 
Eternity. 

OF LOVE. . 

O my God, what i^turn can I make for so sig- 
nal a favor, or what shall I do to acknowledge it 
as it deserves? Is it possible I should not continu- 
ally love Thee after such manifest proofs of Thy 
Love ? Thou hast loved me to such an excess as 
to lay down Thy Life for my sake ; and shall I 
not make so small a return to such boundless love 
as to live only for Thee ? Thou hast communi- 
cated Thyself at present entirely to me ; and shall 
not I from henceforth remain wholly Thine ? Per- 



FOR COMMUXIOX. 



75 



mit me not, 0 God, to be ungrateful or insensible 
of Thy Love and my own Salvation : I protest, 
therefore, ia Thy Presence, that I will for the fu- 
ture be faithful to Thee, and never depart from 
Thee by disobedience to Thy law. I will never 
forget Thy bounty, nor the favor Thou hast done 
me in admitting me to partake of Thy ]\fercy. 
I will love Thee with my whole heart ; for Thou, 
0 Lord, art my Strength, my Support, my Refuge 
-and Deliverer, nay, my God and my all. What 
is there in Heaven or on Earth I should love in 
preference to Thee, The God of my heart, the in- 
heritance and only happiness I pretend to? Of 
Thee I have made choice, and nothing shall pre- 
vail on me to make me change. 

AN OBLATION. 

What pledge can I give, O my Savior, as an 
earnest of the love which I have now engaged to 
Thee ? I have nothing worthy of Thee : and if I 
had, I have nothing but what is Thine on several 
accounts. But such is Thy Goodness as to be 
content to accept from us what is already Thine. 
Wherefore, behold I here offer to Thee my body 
and soul, which are both now sanctified by the 
honor of Thy Divine Presence. I consecrate 
them to Thee forever, since Thou hast chosen 
them for Thy temple ; my body to be continually 
employed in Thy Service, and nevermore to be- 
come an instrument of sin ; my soul to know 
Thee, to love Thee, and be evermore faithful to 
Thee. Bless, O Lord, the present I here make 



76 INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



Thee. Bless, 0 Lord, this housed Permit 
not my body to be any more defiled with sensual 
delights, nor my soul by a will to commit any mor- 
tal sin : for as I am now resolved to serve Thee 
with body and soul, I will take pains to correct 
their evil inclinations. 1 will declare war against 
myself, renounce my wonted pleasures, my de- 
lights, my passions, my concupiscence, my anger, 
my pride, my self-love, my own will, and, lastly, 
whatever else may offend Thee. 

A PRAYER FOR PERSEVERANCE. 

RESERVE, O Lord, forever in 
my soul the holy resolutions 
wherewith Thou hast now 
inspired me, and grant me 
grace faithfully to put them 
in execution. Without Thy 
aid I can do nothing : I there- 
fore earnestly crave Thy 
assistance to conquer all the 
difficulties I may meet with in the way of my Sal- 
vation. Regard me with the eyes of mercy, have 
compassion on my weakness, and strengthen me 
daily with Thy Grace. O glorious Virgin, unite 
with me in giving thanks to Thy Beloved Son, Who 
has restored me to His Grace and refreshed my 
soul with the Banquet of His Most Precious Body. 
Offer H^im all the grateful service thou didst Him in 
this life, to supply the defects of my devotion ; and 
obtain of Him that He depart not from me without 
leaving a large benediction behind Him for m.y soul. 




Fon co:>ir.iu:sioN. 



77 



Holy Angels ! ye ?vlinistenng Spirits of God ! behold 
The'^Only Son of The Eternal Father, Vv'hom you 
adored at His entrance into the world ! O, become 
now petitioners in my behalf, that I may hence- 
forth serve Him with the same spirit and truth as 
I you did whilst He remained on earth, and with the 
same cheerfulness as you now do in His Celestial 
Fvingdom. All ye men and women. Saints of God, 
behold here within my breast your Lord, the Ori- 
gin and Reward of all your virtuous actions, and 
let all your prayers accompany mine to The 
Throne, that by His Grace I may follow^ His steps 
in the exact performance of every duty, till, 
abounding in good works, I may at length be ad- 
mitted into your society, and possess my Jesus for 
all eternity. Amen, 

THE CONCLL'SION. 

Graciously hear all my prayers, O good Jesus, 
hide me w^hhin Thy wounds, and there protect me 
from all my enemies. O, let nothing ever sepa- 
rate me from Thee. Call me to Thee at the hour 
of my death, that with Thy Saints 1 may praise 
! Thee forever. And novv'. Lord Jesus, I go from 
[ Thee for a while, but I hope not w^ithout Thee, 
Who art my comfort and the ultimate happiness 
of my soul. To Thy Love and Protection I recom- 
i mend myself, as well as my brethren, relations, my 
' country, my friends, and my enemies. Love us, 
O Lord, change our hearts, and transform us into 
Thyself. May we be wholly employed in Thee and 

for Thee, and may Thy Love be the end of all our 

^4 



* 



78 INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 

thoughts, words, and actions, Who livest and reignest 
forever and ever. Amen, 

The following Aspirations may not he unseason- 
able for such as have an opportunity on the 
Day of Communion, 

I. Enlighten the eyes of my soul, O Lord, v^ith 
the rays of Divine Faith and Wisdom, that I may 
ever look on Thee as The Way, The Rule, and 
The Example of all my thoughts, words, and ac- 
tions. 

What am I, Lord, or what claim can I have on 
Thy Bounty, that Thou shouldst thus pursue me 
with Thy Blessings ? Yes, Thou hast created me 
for Thyself; and mayest Thou alone be the rest 
and centre of my soul. 

Good Jesus, my hope and only happiness, I here 
return Thee thanks for all Thy sufferings, and beg 
that I may ever find a place of refuge in Thy 
Sacred Wounds against the assaults of all my ene- 
mies : imprint the memory of them, I beseech 
Thee, so deeply in my heart that I may ever love 
Thee, and in all my sufferings never forget what 
Thou hast suffered for me. 

Take from me all self-love, and grant me a per- 
fect love, that I may hereafter be more faithful to 
Thee ; and suffer nothing for the future to prevent 
me from a faithful discharge of my duty. 

O that 1 could ever remember Thee, ever think 
of Thee, and love Thee only ! O that my senses 
were ever shut against vain and sinful objects, and 
my mind freed from all fruitless solicitude, that I 



FOR COMMUNION. 



79 



might ever abide in Thee ! From henceforth I 
will, with the utmost diligence, seek Thee, my 
only good ; my desires shall be fixed on Thee 
alone, and all my actions shall be directed to Thy 
glory. 

I resign myself into Thy hands, O God, desiring 
that Thy Holy Will may be done in me and by 
me, both now and forever. Be Thou my Instruct- 
or, Director, and Helper on all occasions, that I 
may neither do, speak, think, or desire any thing 
but what is according to Thy Good Will and 
Pleasure. 

II. Grant Thy servant, O Lord, understanding, 
that he may learn the way of Thy Commandments, 
and lay aside all interest besides that of Heaven. 

O sweet Jesus, Thou Fountain of Goodness, 
direct my steps in Thy Paths, and teach me to do 
Thy Will. Inspire me with courage to take up my 
cross and follow Thee. Disengage my heart from 
all unprofitable cares and vain affections ; and 
though I dwell among creatures, yet may I ever 
live in Thee and for Thee. Grant me true fervor 
of spirit, and enkindle in my breast the fire of Di- 
vine Love, that I may find no rest but in Thee. 

How sweet, O Lord, is Thy Spirit! how pleas- 
ant to my ear are the words of Thy mouth ! O 
that I could ever be attentive to them and fulfil 
Thy Law ! May I die to the world and all its con- 
cupiscences ; and let the greatness of Thy Love 
make all that is earthly appear to me as nothing. 
Protect me against my enemies, and in all danger 
come to my defence ; make haste to help me, O 
God, and say to my soul, I am Thy Salvation. 

ii 



80 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



Remember Thou art my Father ; have compas* 
sion, then, on my distressed soul ; clothe it with all 
virtues and feed it with Thy Grace : for it belongs 
to a father to be careful of his child. 

As it is in Thee I live, sweet Jesus, so it is in 
Thee I desire to die ; and, both living and dying, I 
will ever profess that Thou art good, and Thy 
Mercy endureth forever. 

III. O sweetness of my life and life of my soul, 
withdraw my heart and thoughts from all creatures, 
that they may fmd no rest but in Thee. 

PtlyXrod, how long dost Thou permit me to wan- 
der from Thee ? When wilt Thou consume in 
me all -that is corrupt and contrary to Thy Will ? 
Draw me after Thee, I beseech Thee, that I may 
walk cheerfully in the way of Thy Precepts. Make 
me according to Thine own heart, and let my soul 
be now Thy habitation forever. 

My soul without Thee is dry, like earth withou 
water : moisten it, I beseech Thee, v/ith the dew o 
Heaven, and grant me Thy Blessing from the Ian 
of the living. Inflame my heart with Thy Lov 
that it may relish no earthly objects, but entire" 
depend on Thy Will. 

Hail, Dear Redeemer, Whom I now desire , 
adore with the spirit and affection of Thy Elect : 
to Thy direction I commit all the . motions of my 
soul. 

Ah! when will the day of eternity appear, that, 
liberated from this prison of flesh, I may join with 
The Saints in Thy everlasting praise ? O sweet 
light, inflame my heart with the fire of Celestial 
Charity, and let its divine flames consume me. 



FOU COMMUNION. 



81 



IV. O that I could give Thee, Dear Lord, as 
much praise, glory, and honor as is given Thee 
by the Angels and Blessed Spirits in Heaven ! But 
as this is impossible, accept at least my desire and 
good will. Deliver me from every thing that is 
contrary to Thy Will, and dispose my soul for Thy 
greater glory. 

Into Thy hands I surrender myself, O my Crea- 
tor, and, laying aside all private wishes, desire to 
depend on Thee, not only as to the whole state of 
my body and soul, but also as to all the accidents 
and events Thou mayest please to appoint for me, 
asking nothing more but that Thy Will may be 
done. 

If it be more for Thy honor that I should suffer 
interior desolation, I accept it from Thy hand, con- 
vinced that whatever I suffer in my soul for love 
of Thee is for my good. 

O my God, how little art Thou known ! how 
little loved ! Come to me. Dear Lord. May the 
fire of Thy Love, O God, ever burn in my heart. 

Let nothing be my comfort but Thou, my Lord 
Jesus, nor any thing afflict me but my sins and 
whatever is displeasing to Thy Divine Majesty. 

O Blessed Jesus ! Life Eternal ! by Whom I 
ive, and w^ithout Whom I die, grant I may be 
nmited to Thee, that in the embraces of Thy Holy 
Love and Divine Will I may rest forever. 

When shall I behold Thee, sweet Lord ? w^hen 
shall I appear before Thy face ? When shall I 
see Thee in the land of the living? Till then I 
sigh and bevv^ail my banishment, desiring to be dis- 
solved and to be with Thee. 



82 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS. 



INSTRUCTIONS AFTER COMMUNION. 

Q. Is it necessary that every one should say 
their prayers after Communion ? 

A. I think that every one should, after Communion, con- 
tinue in prayer near a quarter of an liour, and employ this 
time in the best manner they can for the benefiting their 
souls by this Holy Food. These prayers may do very 
well; but in this case let every one adopt the devotion 
wherewith he finds himself most affected. 

Q. How ought the rest of the day to be spent ? 

A. In spiritual reading, prayer, in pious and charitable 
oflSces and good works ; and, consequently, in carefully 
avoiding vain diversions, uncharitable and unprofitable dis- 
courses, and all such company and entertainments as gen- 
erally expose men to more liberty than is becoming days 
of devotion. 

Q. How often would you have one communi- 
cate ? 

A. There can be no invariable rule on this point ; but 
that which agrees with most states and conditions is to 
communicate about once every month. Others oftener, 
with the advice of their Director ; but then let them remem- 
ber that their life and conversation be answerable to their 
devotion. 

Q. Why are Christians to communicate so often ? 

A. That (says St. Francis de Sales) by virtue of this 
Holy Food they may learn to love God, and be purified 
from their imperfections, delivered from their miseries, 
comforted in their afflictions, and strengthened in their 
weaknesses : and therefore, continues he, there are two sorts 
of persons who ought to communicate often — the perfect, 
because, being well disposed, they do themselves an injury 
in not approaching the Fountain of Perfection ; the imper- 
fect, that they may be enabled to tend to perfection ; the 
;5trong, lest they should become feeble; the feeble, that 



A PRAYER IN TI3IE OF AN INDULGENCE. 83 



they may become strong; the sick, to be healed; the 
healthy, lest they fall into sickness : those that have not 
much worldly business, because they have leisure; and 
those that have much business, because they stand in more 
need of this spiritual refreshment. 

Q. What can be the reason why so many re- 
ceive so little benefit by their Communion ? 

A. It must proceed from a want of due preparation, or 
from leaving off their devotions as soon as they have re- 
ceived, and not allowing sufficient time for this Holy Food 
to digest and work its efiects in their souls. Be careful, 
therefore, as often as you communicate, to be as extremely 
diligent in preparing yourselves as if it were to be your last 
communion. After you have received, allow yourself suffi- 
cient time for prayer ; and, when you return home, let it be 
your care to reform all your evil habits and make use of the 
graces you have received by means of this Adorable Sacra- 
ment. Thus will it contribute to your advancement in virtue 
and the love of God. and prove an Eternal Blessing to your 
soul. 



A PRAYER FOR THE 'WHOLE STATE OF CHRISFS 
CHURCH UPON EARTH AND ALL THE IN- 
TENTIONS OF AN INDULGENCE. 

OKD, Eternal Father of our 
Savior Jesus Christ, Crea- 
tor of all things visible and 
invisible, source of all our 
good, infinitely good in Thy- 
self, and infinitely bountiful, 
gracious, and good to us, be- 
hold we, Thy poor servants, 
the v/ork of Thy hands, re- 
deemed by the Blood of Thy only Son, come, in 




84 A PRAYEIL IN TIBIE OF AN INDULGENCE. 



answer to His summons^ by His vicegerent, to 
present ourselves as humble petitioners before the 
Throne of Thy mercy : we come all in a body at 
this time, even all Thy people upon earth ; and 
we come in Communion v/ith Thy whole Church 
in Heaven, hoping to be assisted by their prayers 
and merits ; and with Jesus Christ at our head, 
our High Priest and Mediator, in Whose Precious 
Blood we place all our trust. We prostrate our- 
selves here before Thee, and most humbly beseech 
Thee to sanctify Thy own Most Ploly Name, by 
sanctifying and exalting Thy Holy Catholic Church 
throughout the whole world. O Eternal King, Who 
hast sent Thy only Son down from Thy Throne 
above to establish Plis kingdom here amongst us, 
from whence we might hereafter be translated to 
Thy Eternal Kingdom, look down, we beseech 
Thee, upon This Kingdom of Thy Son, which is His 
Church, and propagate it through all nations and 
through all hearts. Sanctify it in all truth ; main- 
tain it in peace, unity, and holiness. Give to it 
Saints for its rulers ; enlighten them all with 
heavenly wisdom, and make them all men accord- 
ing to Thy own heart. Give Thy Grace and Bless- 
ing to all the clergy, and dispense among them 
that heavenly fire which Thy Son came to cast on 
the ear^/i, and which he so earnestly desired should 
be enkindled. Assist and protect all Apostolic 
Missionaries, that they may zealously and effectu- 
ally promote Thy Glory and the Salvation of souls 
redeemed by the Blood of Thy Son. Sanctify 
all religious men and women of all orders ; give 
them the grace to serve Thee with all perfection, 



A PRAYER IlN Ti:.IE OF AX INDULGENCE. 85 



according to the spirit of their institute, and to 
shine like lights to the rest of the Faithfah Have 
mercy on ail Christian King's and on all governors 
of the people : grant them, those lights and graces 
that are necessarv for the perrect discharge of 
their duty to Thee and their subjects, that they 
may be true servants to Thee, The King of kings, 
true fathers to their people, and nursing fathers to 
Thy Church. Have mercy on all magistrates and 
men in power, that they may all fear Thee, love 
Thee, and serve Thee, and ever remember that 
they are the deputies and ministers of Thy justice. 
Have mercy on all Thy people throughout the 
world, and give Thy Blessing to Thine inherit- 
ance. Remember Thy Congregation which Thou 
hast possessed from the beginning. Grant to all 
Thy children here upon earth the grace to do Thy 
Holy VvhU in ail things, even as the Blessed do in 
Heaven. Extend Thy ?>Iercy also to all poor In- 
fidels that sit in darkness and in the shadow of 
death : to all those nations that know^^Thee not, 
and that have not yet received The Faith and Law 
of Tiiy Son, their Savior: to all Pagans, ]^Iahom- 
etans, and Jews. Remember, O Lord, that all 
these poor souls are made after Thine own image 
and likeness, and redeemed bv The Blood of Thy 
Son : O, let not Satan anv longer exercise his 
tyranny over these Thy creatures, to the great 
dishonor of Thv Xame. Let not The Precious 
Blood of Thy Son be shed for them in vain. 
Send amongst thoni zealous preachers and apos- 
tolic laborers endued with the like graces and gifts 
as The Apostles were, and bless them v/iih the like 



86 A PRAYER IN TIME OF AN INDULGENCE. 



success, for the glory of Thy Name, that these 
poor souls may be brought to know Thee, love 
Thee, and serve Thee here in Thy Church, and bless 
Thee hereafter for all Eternity. Look down also 
with an eye of pity and compassion on all those 
deluded souls who, under the name of Christians, 
have gone astray from the paths of Truth and Unity, 
and from the one fold of the one Shepherd, Thy only 
Son Jesus Christ, into the by-paths of error and 
schism. O, bring them back to Thee and to Thy 
Church. Dispel their darkness by Thy heavenly 
light ; take off the veil from before their eyes with 
which the common enemy has blindfolded them ; let 
them see how they have been misled by misappre- 
hensions and misrepresentations. Remove the pre- 
judices of their education ; take away from them the 
spirit of obstinacy, pride, and self-conceit. Give 
them a humble and docile heart. Give them an ar- 
dent desire of finding out Thy Truth, and a strong 
grace to enable them to embrace it, in spite of all the 
opposition of the world, the flesh, and the Devil. 
For why should these poor souls perish for whom 
Christ died ? Why should Satan any longer pos- 
sess these souls which by their Baptism were dedi- 
cated to Thee, to be Thy Eternal Temple? O 
Father of lights and God of all truth, purge the 
whole world from all errors, abuses, corruptions, 
and vices. Beat down the standard of Satan, and 
set up every where the standard of Christ. Abol- 
ish the reign of sin, and establish the kingdom of 
grace in all hearts. Let humility triumph over 
pride and ambition ; charity over hatred, envy, 
and malice ; purity and temperance over lust and 



A PRAYER IX TI3iE OF AX INDULGENCE. 87 

excess ; meekness over passion ; and disinterest- 
edness and poverty of spirit over covetousness 
and the love of this perishable world. Let The 
Gospel of Jesus Christ, both in its belief and prac 
tice, prevail throughout all the universe. Grant to 
j us Thy Peace, O Lord, in the days of our mortai- 
' ^ ity, even that peace which Thy Son bequeathed as 
a legacy to His Disciples ; a perpetual peace with 
Thee, a perpetual peace with one another, and a 
perpetual peace within ourselves. Grant that all 
Christian princes and states niay love, cherish, 
and maintain an inviolable peace among them- 
selves. Give them a right sense of the dreadful 
evils that attend on wars. Give them an ever- 
lasting horror of all that bloodshed, of the devas- 
tation and ruin of so many territories; of the 
innumerable sacrileges, and the eternal loss of so 
many thousand souls, as are the dismal conse- 
quences of war. Turn their hearts to another 
kind of warfare : teach them to fight for a Heav- 
enly Kingdom. Remove, O Lord, Thy wrath, 
which we have reason to apprehend actually hang- 
ing over our heads for our sins. Deliver all 
Christian people from the dreadful evils of mortal 
sin ; make all sinners sensible of their misery ; 
give them the grace of a sincere conversion to 
Thee, and a truly penitential spirit, and discharge 
them from ail their bonds. Preserve all Christen- 
dom, and in particular this nation, from all the 
evils that threaten impenitent sinners, such as 
plagues, famines, earthquakes, fires, inundations, 
mortality of cattle, sudden and unprovided death, 
and many other judgments here, and eternal dam- 



88 LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRAI\IENT. 



nation hereafter. Comfort all that are under any 
affliction, sickness, or violence of pain ; support 
all that are under temptation ; reconcile all that 
are at variance ; deliver all that are in slavery or 
captivity ; defend all that are in danger ; grant 
relief to all in their respective necessities ; give 
a happy passage to all that are in their agony. 
Grant Thy Blessing to our friends and benefactors, 
and to all those for v/hom we are particularly 
bound to pray ; and have mercy on all our enemies. 
Give Eternal Rest to the Faithful departed ; and 
bring us all to Everlasting Life : through Jesus 
Christ, Thy Son. Ame?i. 



THE LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 
+ 



^ ©ih y^^ve mercy upon us. 

-^^^^^^ ^^^'^ mercy upon us, 
'^^ Christ, have mercy upon us, 
C^fe^)); f,^ Christ, have mercy upon us, 
"^mM'^K"^'''^^^'^ Lord, have mercy upon us. 
W^^^^^^'^-''^ Lord, have m.ercy upon us. 
feM^^^^m God The Father, Creator" 



of The World, 



0 M 



God The Son, Redeemer of mankind, 
God The Holy Ghost, Perfecter of The Elect, 
Sacred Trinity, Three Persons in One God, 
Jesus, God and Man, in T>vo Natures and One 

Divine Person, 
Jesus, our Wonderful God, Who for oursakes j 



LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRA^.IENT. 

vouchsafest to subject Thy Almighty Self ^ 
to the power of man, by immediately de- 
scending upon our altar when the Priest 
pronounces the words of consecration, 

Jesus, our Incomprehensible God, who, though 
the Heaven of Heavens cannot contain Thy 
Immensity, yet vouchsafest personally to 
reside in our Churches and dwell amongst 
us in a small tabernacle, 

Jesus, our Sovereign King, Who, though Thy 
Throne above is continually surrounded by 
glorified ministering spirits, yet vouchsafest 
here in our most solemn processions to be 
accompanied by such mean attendants as 
ourselves, 

Jesus, our Heavenly Physician, Who, descend- 
ing from Thy Palace of immortal bliss to y 
our houses of clay, to visit us on our sick 
beds and give Thyself to comfort our sor- 
rov>'s, 

Jesus, our Glorious God, Who sittest at the 
right hand of Thy Eternal Father, adored 
by innumerable Angels and encompassed 
with the splendor of inaccessible light, 

Jesus, our Gracious God, Vv ho, condescending 
to the weakness of our nature, coverest Thy 
Glory under the familiar form.s of bread 
and w^ine, and permittest Thyself to be seen, 
touched, and tasted by wretched sinnei^, 

Jesus, our Gracious God, Who, concealing the 
awful brightness of Thy Majesty under 
such low and humble veils, sweetly invites 
us to approach Thy Person, lay open ourj 
8- 



90 LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 



miseries, and deliver our petitions into Thy 
hands, 

Jesus, our Gracious God, Who, to communi- 
cate Thy Divine Nature to miserable sin- 
ners, humblest Thyself to descend into our 
breast, and, by an inconceivable union, be- 
come one with us, 

Jesus, The Bread of Life that came down 
from Heaven, of which whoever eats shall 
live forever, 

Jesus, The Heavenly Manna, Whose sweet- 
ness nourishes Thy Elect in the desert of 
this world, 

Jesus, The Food of Angels, Whose delicious- 
ness replenishes our hearts with celestial 
joys, 

Jesus, The Lamb without spot. Who art 
every day sacrificed, and yet always liveth ; ' 
every day eaten, yet still remainest entire, 

Jesus, The Good Shepherd, Who layest down 
Thy Life for Thy Sheep, and feedest them 
with Thine own Body, 

Jesus, Who, in this August and Venerable 
Mystery, art Thyself become the Priest 
and Victim, 

Jesus, Who, in this Sacred Memorial of Thy 
Death, hast included all Thy Wonders into 
one accumulated miracle, 

Jesus, Who, in this Admirable Sacrament, has 
contracted all Thy Blessings into one^ stu- 
pendous bounty, 

Jesus, Who, by This Blessed Fruit of The 
Tree of Life, restorest us again to immor- 
tality, 



LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 91 



Jesus, Who, by becoming onr daily Food in this 
life, preparest us to feed on Thee eternally in 
the next. Have mercy upon us. 

Jesus, Who, in this Divine Banquet, givest us pos- 
session of Thy Grace here, and a secure pledge 
of our glory hereafter, Have mercy upon us. 

Have mercy, O Lord, and pardon our sins. 

Have mercy, O Lord, and hear our sprayers. 

From presuming to measure the depth of Divine 
Omnipotence by the short line of human reason- 
ing. Deliver us^ O Lord. 

From presuming to interpret the secrets of 1 
Thy will by the erring rule of private judg- 
ment. 

From all distraction and irreverence in assist- 
ing at This Awful Sacrifice, 

From neglecting to approach This Holy Table, 
and from coming to it negligently. 

From an unworthy and fruitless receiving of 
This Adorable Sacrament, 

From all hardness of heart and ingratitude 
for so unspeakable a blessing. 

Through Thy Irresistible Power, which ' 
changeth the course of nature as Thou 
pleasest. 

Through Thy Unsearchable Wisdom, which 
disposeth ail things in perfect order, 

Through Thy Infinite Goodness in bestowing 
Thyself on us in This Incomprehensible 
Mystery, 

Through Thy Blessed Body, broken for us on 
the cross and really given to us in The 
Holy Communion, j 



92 LITAI^Y OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 



Through Thy Precious Blood, shed for us on the 
cross and substantially present in the chalice of 
benediction, Deliver us, O Lord, 

We sinners beseech Thee^ hear us : 

That we may always believe nothing nnore reason- 
able than to submit reason to faith : We beseech 
Thee, hear us : 

That, by This Sacred Oblation, we may solemnly 
acknowledge Thy Infinite Perfections and Su- 
preme Dominion over all things : We beseech- 
Thee, hear us : 

That, by This Sacred Oblation, we may humbly 
acknowledge our dependence on Thee and ab- 
solute subjection to the disposal of Thy Will : 
We beseech Thee, hear us : 

That we may eternally adore Thy Goodness, 
- Who, standing in no need of us, hast con- 
trived such endearing motives to make us 
love Thee and be happy : 

That we may thankfully comply with Thy 
Gracious desire of being united to us : 

That, before we approach this Divine Banquet 
of Divine Love, we may sincerely endeav- 
or to be reconciled to Thee and to Perfect 
Charity with all mankind : ' ^ 

That, at the moment of receiving Thy Sacred 
Body, our soul may dissolve itself into rev- 
erence and love to attend on and entertain 
so glorious a Guest : 

That, returning from this Divine Banquet, we 
may collect all our thoughts to praise Thee, 

, and immediately apply our utmost endeav- 
ors to the amendment of our lives : J 



LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 



93 



That, by this heavenly preservative, our hearts Qiay 
be healed of their infirmities and streng:hened 
against future relapses : We heseech Thee, hear 
us. 

That, as we adore Thee here by Faith, under these 
sacred veils, we may hereafter behold Thee face 
to face and eternally rejoice in Thy Presence : 
We heseech Thee^ hear us. 

Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the 
world ; Spare us^ O Lord. 

Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the 
world ; Hear its, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the 
world ; Have mercy upon us. 

THE ANTIPHON. 

The Glorious King of Heaven and Earth, to 
show the richness of His Bounty, hath prepared a 
Solemn and Splendid Feast, and calls even the 
meanest of His subjects to sit down at His Table 
by His Gracious Invitation : " Come to me, all you 
that lahor and are oppressed, and I will refresh 
you; for my flesh is meat indeed, and ray blood 
is drink indeed.'' 

V. Thou hast given us, O Lord, bread from 
Heaven. Alleluia. 

R. Replenished with all sweetness and delight. 
Alleluia. 

V. O Lord, hear my prayer. 

R. And let my cry come unto Thee, 



94 LITANY OF THE BLESSED SACRAMENT. 



THE FE-AYER. 

O God, Who in This Wonderful Sacrannent 
hast left us a perpetual memorial of Thy Passion, 
grant us, we beseech Thee, so to reverence These 
Sacred Mysteries of Thy Body and Blood that 
we may continually perceive in our souls the 
fruits of Thy Redemption, Who, with The Father 
and The Holy Ghost, livest and reignest, world 
without end. Amen. 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 

FOE THE 

HOLY SACRAMENT OF CONFIRMATION. 



When The Apostles had heard that Samaria 
had received the loord of God, they sent to them 
Peter and John^ who mhen they were come prayed 
for them, that they weight receive The Holy 
Ghost. For he was not, as yet, come upon any 
of them; hut they were only baptized in The 
Name of The Lord Jesus, Then they laid their 
hands upon them, and they received The Holy 
Ghost. — Acts viii. 14-17. 

Confirmation is a Sacrament instituted by our Lord to 
enable us to arrive at the state of Christian Perfection, and 
to strengthen the spiritual life of grace which we received 
at Baptism. It is called Confirmation from its effect, which 
is to confirm and fortify those who receive it vv^ith the neces- 
sary dispositions in the profession of The True Faith, to 
arm them against their spiritual enemies, and to complete 
and finish in them the sanctification which Baptism had 
begun. In Baptism we receive the character of the children, 
of God ; in Confirmation we receive the strength of men 
and the character of the soldiers of Jesus Christ. In Bap- 
tism we are enlisted under the standard of Christ crucified ; 
in Confirmation we are armed with the shield of Eaith, and 
enabled to combat against the Devil, the world, and the 
flesh. In Baptism we are regeneratedj and receive the sane- 



96 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



tifiyin^^ <?race of God for the remission of sins ; in Confirma- 
tion we are prepared for a spiritual warfare, and receive the 
seven gifts of tlie Holy Ghost as our strength and support, 
that we may be enabled to stand firm in the divine service, 
with a holy vigor of spirit and constancy of mind, amidst 
the terrors of the severest trials and persecutions. 

These seven gifts of the Holy Ghost are Wisdom, Un- 
derstanding, Counsel, Fortitude, Knowledge, Piety, and the 
Fear of the Lord. These gifts are conferred upon the re- 
cipient for the purposes lierein stated. Fear is given to 
avoid sin ; Piety, to serve God : Knowledge, to knov/ the 
will of God ; Fortitude, to fulfil it; Counsel, to discover the 
snares of Satan : Understanding, to know the mysteries of 
Faith ; and Wisdom, to seek perfection. 

It is evident, from Acts viii. and xix., that the Apostles 
practised Confirmation as a means to commutiicate the 
graces and gifts of The Holy Ghost to The Faithful. It is 
of Confirmation also that St. Paul makes mention, Heb. vi. 
2, and 2 Cor. i. 21, 22, where he expressly says, " iVow, he 
who conjirmfith us ivith you in Christy and hath anointed us^ is 
God ; who hath also sealed ws, and given liS the earnest of The 
Spirit in our hearts.'^'' 

The minister of this Sacrament is a Bishop. 

As water is made use of in Baptism, so chrism is nsed in 
Confirmation. Chrism is composed of oil of olives ar]d balm 
of Gilead, blessed by a Bisliop. The outward anointing 
with chrism represents the inward anointing of the soul 
with the gifts of The Holy Ghost as the outward ablution 
with water in Baptism denotes the inward washing of the 
soul by the sanctifying grace of God. The oil, whose prop- 
erties are to assuage pain, to fortify the limbs, and to give 
a certain vigor to the body, represents the spiritual effects 
of the grace of this Sacrament in the soul; and the balm, 
which is of a sweet smell, and whose property is to preserve 
bodies from putrefaction, represents the good odor of Chris- 
tian virtues, vrith which we are to edify our neighbors after 
having received this Sacrament. The form of words used 
in conferring this Sacrament is, / sign thee unth the sign of 
The Cross, I confirm thee with the. chrism of Salvation, in 
The Name of The Father, and of The Son, and of The Holy 
Gfiost. Whilst the Bishop pronounces the form, he makes 
the sign of the cioss vrith the holy chrism upon the fore= 



FOE CONFIRMATION. 



97 



head of each person whom he confiiTns, to give such person 
to understand that no worldly fear or shame is to deter him 
from confessing Christ crucified ; but that he is openly to 
profess the doctrines and maxims of His Gospel, and live 
as becomes a member of His Church, in spite of the ill 
example and corrupt maxims of the world. A little slap 
is given on the cheek by the Bishop to the persons confirmed, 
to impress on their minds that they are to be ready to 
bear, with meekness and patience, all crosses, persecutions, 
trials, affronts, and injuries, when necessary, for the sake 
and glory of their Lord and Master Jesus Christ. At the 
same time the Bishop says, Peace be with thee:'' to signi- 
fy that true peace is only to be found in God. Lastly, 
the Bishop prays for those who have been confirmed, that 
The Holy Ghost may ever dwell in their hearts and make 
them temples of His glory. After which he dismisses them 
with his blessing. 

Confirmation is one of the " Sacraments of the Living : " 
so called because, to receive them worthily, one must be liv- 
ing to God by being in the state of grace. Confirmation 
cannot be received more than once, because, like Baptism, 
it impresses an indelible character on the soul. To receive 
Confirmation, then, there are, as it were, two preparations, 
the one of the Understanding, the other of the Conscience : 
the preparation of the Understanding consists in a compe- 
tent knowledge of the Christian Doctrine, without which 
no one should present himself for Confirmation ; for, it be- 
ing instituted to perfect us in the Faith, which we received 
in Baptism, it becomes necessary that each person should 
be able to give an account of that same Faith, which he is 
now about to be confirmed in. In the tender age of infancy, 
The Church, anxious for the salvation of little children, 
receives them into her Communion through Baptism, and 
assumes the promise of their sponsors for the observance 
of God's law instead of their own : now, when they arrive 
at the years of reason, they should ratify these promises, 
and of course they should be properly acquainted_ with the 
truths they profess", and with the nature of the duties which 
the Christian Law imposes. 

The preparation of the Conscience consists in the cleans- 
ing of the soul from the guilt of mortal sin. which sup- 
poses the necessity of having recourse to The Sacrament 

9 



INSTRTJCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



of Penance, should tlie party preparing for Confirmation 
require it. 

The manner of administering the Sacrament of Confirma- 
tion is as follows : First, the Bishop^ turning towards those 
that are to be confirmed, with his hands joined before his 
breast, says, — 

May The Holy Ghost come down upon you, and the 
power of The Most High keep you from all sin. 
Answer. Amen. 

Then, making the sign of the cross, he says, — 

Our help is in the name of the Lord. 

Ans. Who made Heaven and Earth. 

Bish. O Lord, hear my prayer : 

Ans. And let my cry come to Thee, 

Bish. The Lord be with you : 

Ans. And with thy spirit. 

Then, extending his hands towards those who are to be 
confirmed, which the ancients call the Imposition of hands, 
he addresses this solemn prayer to The Eternal Father, 
begging of Him., throuj2:h Jesus Christ His Son, that He 
would send down His Holy Spirit, with all His gifts, into 
their souls. 

Bish. Let us pray. 

O Almighty and Everlasting God, Who hast vouchsafed 
to regenerate these Thy servants by water and The Holy 
Ghost, and who hast given them the'remission of their sins, 
send forth upon them The Sevenfold Holy Spirit, The 
Paraclete, from Heaven. Ans. Amen. 

Bish. The Spirit of Wisdom and of Understanding. 

Ans. Amen. 

Bish. The Spirit of Counsel and of Fortitude. 
Ans. Amen. 

Bish, The Spirit of Knowledge and of Piety. 
Ans. Amen, 

Bish. Replenish them with the Spirit of Thy Fear, and 
sign them with the sign of the + Cross of Christ, in Thy 
Mercy, unto life everlasting, through the same Jesus Christ, 
Thy Son, our Lord, Who liveth and reigneth with Thee, 
in the unity of The Same Holy Spirit, one God, world with- 
out end. Amen, 



FOR C0^'FIR.■^IAllO^^ 



99 



Then the Bishop asks what name each person wishes to 
be confirmed in, which may either be the same they had in 
Baptism, or the name of any Saint they may choose for 
their patron, and maizes the sio:n of the cross on the fore- 
head of each with the holy chrism^ saying, — 

Bisli. N., I sign thee with the sign of The Cross, and I 
confirm thee with The Chrism of Salvation : in The Name 
of + The Father, and of + The Son, and of + The Holy 
Ghost. Ans. Amen. 

Then he gives the person confirmed a little slap on the 
cheek, saying, ''Pax tecum''' Peace be with thee. 

After all have been confirmed, the Bishop washes his 
hands : and. in the mean time, the following anthem is said 
or sung : — 

Confirm, O God, that which Thou hast wi'ought in ns 
from Thy Holv Temple, which is in Jerusalem. Glory be 
to The Father,* &c. 

Ans. As it was in the beginning^ Sfc. 

Then, after repeating again the anthem, " Confirm. O 
God," &c., the Bishop, standing turned towards the altar, 
prays as follows : — 

Bish. Show us, 0 Lord, Thy Mercy. 
Ans. And grant ns Thy Salvation. 
Bish, O Lord, hear my prayer. 
Ans. And let ray cry come to Thee. 
Bish. The Lord be with you. 
Ans. A)id with thy spirit. 

Bish. Let us pray. 

0 God, Who gavest The Holy Ghost to Thy Apostles, 
and hast been pleased to ordain that by them and by their 
Successors He should be given to the rest of The Faithful, 
mercifully look down upon what we Thy poor servants 
have done ; and grant that the hearts of these Thy Faith- 
ful, whose foreheads we have anointed with Thy Sacred 
Chrism and signed with The Sign of The Holy Cross, 
may. by The Same Holy Ghost corains" down into them and 
by His vouchsafing to dwell in them, be made the temple of 
His glory. Who, with The Father and The Same Holy 
Ghost, liyest and reignest, God, world without end. Amen. 



100 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



Then the Bishop gives his benediction to all present in 
these words : — 

Behold, thus shall every man be blessed who feareth 
The Lord. May The Lord*^ bless you out of* Sion, that you 
may see the good things of Jerusalem all the days of your 
life, and that you may live with Him for all eternity. 
Amen. 



PRAYERS BEFORE AND AFTER CONFIRMATION. 

Before Confirmation, it would be proper, during some 
days, to prepare for it by frequent and fervent prayer, 
especially by frequent acts of Contrition for all our known 
and unknown sins, reciting for that purpose the Psalm, 
Have mercy on me, 0 God, &c., found among The Seven 
Penitential Psalms, as also the well-known Hymns to The 
Holy Spirit. The following prayers may also be made use 
of on this occasion : — 

THE HYMN VENI CREATOR. 

Come, Holy Ghost, Creator, come. 
From Thy Bright, Heavenly Throne ; 

Come, take possession of our souls, 
And make them all Thy Own. 

Thou who art called The Paraclete, 

Best gift of God above, 
The Living Spirit, The Living Fire, 

Sweet unction, and our love. 

Thou Who art sevenfold in Thy Grace, 

Finger of God's right hand ; 
His promise, teaching little ones 

To speak and understand. 



FOR C0NFIR3IATI0N. 



101 



O, guide our minds with Thy Blest Light, 
With love our hearts inflame ; 

And with Thy Strength, which ne'er decays. 
Confirm our mortal frame. 

Far from us drive our hellish foes ; 

True peace unto us bring ; 
And through all perils lead us safe 

Beneath Thy Sacred Wing. 

Through Thee may we The Father know ; 

Through Thee Th' Eternal Son ; 
And Thee, The Sjnrit of Them Both, 

Thrice Blessed Three in One. 

All glory to The Father be 

With His Coequal Son ; 
The like to Thee, Great Paraclete, 

Till Time shall cease to run. Amen. 

TEE HY3IN VEXI SAXCTE SPIKITUS. 

Come, Holy Ghost, send down those beams 
Which sweetly flow in silent streams 
From Thy Bright Throne above. 

O come. Thou Father of the Poor ; 
O come. Thou Source of all our store ; 
Come, fill our hearts with love. 

O Thou, of Comforters the best, 
O Thou, the soul's delightful guest. 
The pilgrim's sweet relief. 
9* 



102 INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



Thou art true rest in toil and sweat, 
Refreshment in th' excess of heat, 
And solace in our grief. 

Thrice Blessed Light, shoot home Thy darts, 
And pierce the centre of these hearts. 
Whose Faith aspires to Thee. 

Without Thy Godhead, nothing can 
Have any price or worth in man ; 
Nothing can harmless be. 

Lord, wash our sinful stains away, 
Water from Heaven our barren clay ; 
Our wounds and bruises heal. 

To Thy Sweet Yoke our stiff necks bow , 
Warm with Thy Fire our hearts of snow ; 
Our devious paths reveal. 

Grant to Thy Faithful, Dearest Lord, 
Whose only Hope is Thy Sure Word, 
The Seven Gifts of The Spirit. 

Grant us in life t' obey Thy Grace, 
Grant us at death to see Thy Face, 
And endless joys inherit. Amen. 

ANTHEM. 

Come, Holy Spirit, fill the hearts of Thy Faith- 
ful, and kindle in them the fire of Thy Love. 

F. Send forth Thy Spirh, and our hearts shall 
be regenerated. 



FOR CONFIRMATI^, 



103 



R, And Thou shall renew the face of the 
earth. 

LET US PRAY. 

O God, Who hast taught the hearts of The 
Faithful by the Light of The Holy Spirit, *grant 
that we may, by the gift of The Same Spirit, be 
always truly wise, and ever rejoice in His Conso- 
lation, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen, 



A PRAYER BEFORE CONFIRIVIATION. 




GOD of Infinite Goodness and 
Bounty, Who hast been pleased 
at my Baptism to make me a 
i Christian, to sanctify my soul 
I with Thy Grace, and to honor 
me with the glorious title of 
Thy child, which, alas! for 
^^^^ i^^^ i"i^y part, I have so wretchedly 

corre-, - .a with, and have even forfeited so often 
by my sins ; behold, notwithstanding all my in- 
gratitude, which Thou hast so long and so patient- 
ly endured. Thou art still pleased to call upon me 
at this time to come and present myself in order to 
receive the greatest of all Thy gifts, even Thine 
Own Most Holy Spirit ; to be consecrated to Thee 
by His unction^ to be made a strong and perfect 
Christian and a soldier of Thy Son. O, may all 
Heaven and Earth praise, bless, and glorify Thee 
forever for all Thy mercies. And now Dearest 
Lord, I desire to come, because such is Thy will 
and my duty, to receive This Great Sacrament of 



104 INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



Confirmation, that I may, like Thy Apostles, be 
baptized with The Holy Ghost, and he endowed with 
power from on high, and like them be changed by 
divine grace into another man in such manner as 
henceforward to live up to the dignity and to fulfil 
every part of the duty of a soldier of Christy and 
to preserve and maintain, even to death, that purity 
and sanctity which becomes The Temple of The 
Living God. But, O my God, how far am I from 
being worthy to approach This Heavenly Sacra- 
ment ! How can I expect that The Holy Spirit 
should come into my inward house to make it His 
Temple, which has been so long possessed by sin ? 
Where are the dispositions in me which The Apos- 
tles brought, and which all Christians ought to bring 
with them, to the receiving of The Holy Ghost ? I 
acknowledge myself infinitely unworthy ; I confess 
and detest from the bottom of my heart all my 
past ingratitude : I humbly crave Thy Mercy and 
Pardon, through Jesus Christ Thy Son, and beg, 
through Him, that Thou wilt be pleased to cleanse 
my soul with His Precious Blood, and to give me 
Thy Grace to come to This Sacrament with that 
Humility, Faith, and Devotion which is most agree- 
able to Thee. O Divine Spirit, do Thou prepare 
my soul for Thyself! Behold, I come, desiring to 
give up myself to Thee for time and eternity, that 
Thou mayest ever live and reign, in my soul ; and 
0,may my whole soul henceforward be perpetually 
subject to Thee, and may nothing in me evermore 
rebel against Thee. Amen, 



FOR CONFIRMATION. 



105 



ANOTHER PRAYER BEFORE CONFIRMATION. 

I come here this day, my Sovereign Lord and 
Redeemer, to enlist myself a soldier under Thy 
Standard of The Cross. But when I consider my 
weakness and reflect how infirm and faithless I have 
been, I am filled with confusion and shame, and 
cannot but dread the importance of the undertak- 
ing ; for how can I pretend to offer myself to fight 
Thy battles, to suffer in Thy cause, and to be 
ready to accept of poverty, distress, chains, or 
death in defence of Thy Faith and Gospel whilst 
the little occasions and trials I daily meet with 
convince me of my want of courage, and make me 
yield before them ? For, alas ! how often is it that 
a slight word, or imagined contempt, overcomes 
all my patience ! How often does cowardice and 
shame prevent me from doing many a commend- 
able office, nay, make me omit many a pressing 
duty ! And is it not almost every day that, for 
human respects, and in compliance with company, 
I am prevailed on to do that which is unreasonable, 
of ill example, and too often what is scandalous ? 
And while I thus experience my want of courage, 
of fidelity and trust, with what face of reason 
can I pretend to offer myself to become Thy sol- 
dier ! No, my God, I confess 1 have no ground 
or reason for it, and, therefore, I acknowledge 
how unqualified and unfit 1 am for this service, 
and therefore I lay before Thee my desires, my 
wishes, and good will. Thou knowest, O God, these 
my desires and the inclinations of my heart, that 
though I am unable of myself to perform any of 



106 



INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



the duties that belong to Thy Faithful Servants 
and True Followers of The Cross, yet that I sin- 
cerely desire to beconne fit and qualified for the 
exact discharging of all those obligations that be- 
long to this character : and it is for this end I now 
come to ofier myself to Thee. 

And however weak and indisposed I am, yet, 
in the first place, I here confess and firmly believe 
that Thou art able to remove all infirmities and 
inspire me with strength : Thou, Who command- 
edst the light to shine out of darkness, canst per- 
fect these earthen vessels and make them become 
the temples of The Holy Ghost ; Thou canst raise 
them by Thy Spirit above the earth, show in them 
the excellency of Thy Power, and thus make them 
superior to all difficulties, safe in dangers, and fit 
for all duties. 

I moreover come with a great confidence in Thy 
Goodness that Thou wilt look on me with all the 
tenderness of a Loving Father, and send down 
The Holy Ghost into my heart ; for since Thou 
hast promised to give This Good Spirit to those 
that ask it, and so solemnly bestowed it on Thy 
Followers by the imposition of hands, I cannot but 
hope to be now made the subject of This Thy Good- 
ness and an instance of Thy Power. 

Come, then, O Holy Ghost, Who replenishest 
the hearts of The Fahhful, descend into my soul 
and make it the place of Thy abode ; remove me 
from all vicious shame, and inspire me with a 
Christian courage ; strengthen me against all the 
assaults of self-love, the flesh, and the world ; 
make me bold in every duty and only fear to sin ; 



FOR C0XFIR3IATI0N. 



107 



may nothing persuade me to contemn or forsake 
Thy Law ; let the attempts of flattery or terror be 
equally vain and fruitless upon me, and let me 
now drink so deep of this torrent of sweetness, 
that neither chains nor racks may be able to 
force me from my duty, but that, like The Blessed 
Apostles, Thy True Soldiers, I may even rejoice in 
suffering for Thee. Thus, however weak in my- 
self, shall I be made strong in Thee ; thus, too 
shall I become Thy Soldier, and only thus. Come, 
then, O Holy Ghost, and of Thy Bounty fill my 
§oul with Thy Celestial Gifts. A?/ien. 

A PRAYER AFTER C0XFIR3IATI0X. 

O God, I now desire to adore Thee, bless Thee, 
and glorify Thee forever for all Thou hast done 
for me, for Thy Whole Church, both of Heaven 
and Earth. I would now gladly join both my 
heart and voice with all Thy Angels and Saints in 
Heaven, and with all that fear Thee and love Thee 
on Earth, in giving perpetual praise to Thee for 
Thy Infinite Goodness, and in particular for that 
love Thou hast showed to me this day. I give 
Thee thanks from the bottom of my heart for 
having sent down The Holy Spirit into my soul 
v/ith all His Gifts and Graces. O let Flim now 
take full possession of my soul ; let this Heavenly 
unction penetrate into the very centre of my in- 
terior ; let His Divine Wisdom ever preside there ; 
nnay it ever enlighten me Vv'ith His Gift of Under- 
standing and dispel all my darkness ; may it di- 
rect me with His Counsel, strengthen me with His 



108 INSTRUCTIONS AND DEVOTIONS 



Fortitude, instruct me with Flis Knowledge, nnake 
me ever fervent in all good with His Piety and 
Godliness, and let His Divine Fear ever restrain 
me from all evil. And now, Dear Lord, since 
Thou hast been pleased, by This Sacrament, to 
consecrate and sanctify my soul for Thyself, and 
to make it Thy Temple, be pleased also to drive 
far from it, by Thy Grace, all that may violate or 
profane it, or render it any ways disagreeable in 
Thy eyes. O, keep it forever for Thyself, and 
restrain Satan from ever entering into it any more. 
Let it be a house of prayer in which Thou may- 
est be ever worshipped in spirit and in truth, and 
suffer it not to be made any more a den of 
thieves. Give me grace also to fulfil, with perfec- 
tion, every branch of the duty of Thy Soldier, 
which glorious title Thou hast conferred on me 
this day : arm me completely for the warfare in 
which I am happily engaged, and stand by me in 
all my conflicts to crown me with victory. Make 
me faithful unto death, and bring me safe through 
all the dangers of my mortal pilgrimage to the 
crown of everlasting life : through Jesus Christ 
our Lord. Amen, 

INSTRUCTIONS AFTEK CONFIRMATION. 

After you have been confirmed voa ought not to depart * 
immediately from Church, but stay some time. Firsts to 
give thanks for the blessing received. Secondly, to beg a 
continuance of this grace, that The Holy Ghost may be so 
truly settled in your hearts that on all occasions you may 
be ever sensible of His Divine Assistance; and lastly, make 
sincere resolutions of living according to the perfection 



FOR COXFIEJIATIOX, 



109 



which This Sacrament reqaires. that is, according to the 
spirit of a true and perfect Christian. 

According to this spirit everv person ought to live after 
he is confirmed. He is most certainly obliged to it ; and 
therefore, though every one may in some manner excuse 
the weakness, the cowardice, and the being moved by human 
respects in baptized persons who have not yet been con- 
firmed, yet there can be no such excuse in regard of those 
Christians who have received This Sacrament, it being the 
principal design and effect of This Holy Institution, as 
Faith teaches us, to strengthen them against the snares and 
power of the Devil, the world, and the flesh, to take away 
froQi them the fear of men, to make them confess openly, 
that they are only to consider the sacred rules of The Gos- 
pel, and esteem only Jesus to be their Master. And that 
they will act thus, not only before persecutors and tyrants 
who would do violence to their Paith. but particularly be- 
fore all persons of the world who offend against these sacred 
rules by their actions, by their words, by their excess, by 
their vanities, or otherwise join with the enemies of The 
Cross in overthrowing that law which they here take upon 
them to assert and maintain. 

10 



LITANY OF THE MOST HOLY NAME 
OF JESUS, 



f\^^^!^iU'V^"Jil ^^^^ hetve mercy on us. 
fe"/3:-^i^v%[^ Lord^ have mercy on us, 
I^^^Mj Christ, have mercy on us. 
M s^'^^^^^^A^ Christ, have mercy on us, 
^^QglLord, have mercy on us. 
f ^'T ■ mercy on us: 

Christ, hear us. 
'& Christy graciously hear us. 



God, The Father of Heaven, 
God, The Son, Redeemer of the world, 
God, The Holy Ghost, 
Holy Trinity, One God, 
Jesus, Son of The Living God, 
Jesus, Splendor of The Father, 
Jesus, Brightness of Eternal Light, 
Jesus, King of Glory, 
Jesus, Sun of Justice, 
Jesus, Son of The Virgin Mary, 
Admirable Jesus, 
Jesus, The Mighty God, 
Jesus, Father of the world to come, 
Jesus, Angel of the great council, 
Jesus, Most Powerful, 
Jesus, Most Patient, 

(110) 



LITANY OF JESUS. 



Ill 



Jesus, Most Obedient, 
Jesus, Meek and Humble of heart, 
Jesus, Lover of Chastity, 
Jesus, our Love, 
Jesus, God of Peace, 
Jesus, Author of Life, 
Jesus, Example of Virtues, 
Jesus, Zealous Lover of souls, 
Jesus, our God, 
Jesus, our Eefugc, 
Jesus, Father of The Poor, 
Jesus, Treasure of The Faithful, 
Jesus, Good Pastor, 
Jesus, True Light, 
Jesus, Eternal Wisdom, 
Jesus, Infinite Goodness, 
Jesus, The Way, The Truth, and The Life, 
Jesus, Joy of Angels, 
Jesus, Master of Apostles, 
Jesus, Teacher of Evangelists, 
Jesus, Strength of Martyrs, 
Jesus, Light of Confessors, 
Jesus, Purity of Virgins, 

Jesus, Crown of All Saints, j 
Be merciful unto us : Spare us^ O Lord Jesus. 
Be merciful unto us : Graciously hear us^ 0 
Lord Jesus, 

From all sin, ") y 

From Thy Anger, 
From the snares of The Devil, 
From the spirit of fornication. 
From everlasting death, 
From neglect of Thy Inspirations, 
From lightning*and tempest, 



112 



LITANY OF THE 



O 



From a sudden and unprovided death, 
Through The Mystery of Thy Holy Incarna- 
tion, 

Through Thy Nativity, 
Through Thy Infancy, 
Through Thy Most Divine Life, 
Through Thy Labors, 
Through Thy Agony and Passion, 
Through Thy Cross and Dereliction, 
Through Thy Pains and Torment, 
Through Thy Death and Burial, 
Through Thy Resurrection, 
Through Thy Ascension, 
Through Thy Joys, 
Through Thy Glory, 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the 
world : Spare us, O Lord Jesus. 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the 
world : Hear us, O Lord Jesus. 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the 
world : Have mercy on us, O Lord Jesus. 

Jesus, hear us : Jesus, graciously hear us. 

V. — May The Name of The Lord be blessed. 

J^. — Now, from henceforth, and forever. 



LET us PRAY. 



O Lord Jesus Christ, W^ho hast said, Ask and 
you shall receive, seek and you shall find, knock 
and it shall he opened to you,^^ grant, we be- 
seech Thee, to our humble supplications the gift 
of Thy Most Divine Love, that v/e may ever love 
Thee with our whole hearts and never cease from 
praising and glorifying Thy Holy Name. Amen, 



MOST HOLY NAME OF JESUS. 113 

O Divine Eedeemer, give us a perpetual fear 
and love of Thy Holy Name, for Thou never 
ceasest to direct and govern, by Thy Grace, those 
whom Thou instructest in the solidity of Thy Love. 
Amen. 

O God, Who hast appointed Thy only-begotten 
Son The Savior of Mankind, and hast commanded 
that he should be called Jesus, mercifully grant 
that we may enjoy His happy vision in Heaven, 
Whose Holy Name we venerate upon earth : Who, 
with Thee and The Holy Ghost, liveth and reign- 
eth God, v/orld without end. Amen. 
10* 



# 



THE LITANY OF THE BLESSED 
VIRGIN MARY. 




E fly under Thy patronage, O 
Holy Mother of God : despise 
not our petitions in our neces- 
sities, but deliver us from all 
dangers, O Ever-Glorious and 
Blessed Virgin. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord^ have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord^ have mercy on us. 

Christ, hear us. W 
Christ, graciously hear us* a, 
God, The Father of Heaven, 
God, The Son, Redeemer of the world, 
God, The Holy Ghost, 

Holy Trinity, One God, j ; 

Holy Mary, ^ 
Holy Mother of God, P 
Holy Virgin of Virgins, 

Mother of Christ, j § 

Mother of Divine Grace ^ j P 

m 



LITANY OF THE BLESSED 



Most Pure Mother, 

Most Chaste Mother, 

Mother Inviolate, 

Mother Una e filed, 

Amiable Mother, 

Admirable Mother, 

Mother of our Creator, 

Mother of our Savior, 

Most Prudent Virgin, 

Venerable Virgin, 

Kenowned Virgin, 

Powerful Virgin, 

Clement Virgin, 

Faithful Virgin, 

Mirror of Justice, 

Seat of Wisdom, 

Cause of our joy. 

Spiritual Vessel, 

Honorable Vessel, 

Illustrious Vessel of Devotion, 

Mystical Rose, 

Tower of David, 

Tower of Ivory, 

House of Gold, 

Ark of The Covenant, 

Gate of Heaven, 

Morning Star, 

Health of The Weak, 

Refuge of Sinners, 

Comfortress of The Afflicted, 

Help of Christians, 

Queen of Angels, 

Queen of Patriarchs, 



116 LITANY OF THE BLESSED VIRGIN. 



Queen of Proja-hets, ) 
Queen of Apostles, 5 
Queen of Maftyrs, ! 
Queen of Confessors, [ ° 

Queen of Virgins, p 
Queen of All Saints, j 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the 
world : Spare us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the 
world : Hear us, O Lord. 

Lamb of God, Who takest away the sins of the 
world : Have mercy on us. 

F. — Pray for us, O Ploly Mother of God. 

R. — That we may he made worthy of the prom- 
ises of Christ. 

LET US PRAY. 

Pour forth, we beseech Thee, O Lord, Thy 
Grace into our hearts, that we, to whonri The In- 
carnation of Christ Thy Son has been made known 
by the message of an Angel, may, by his Passion 
and Cross, -f- be brought to the glory of His Res- 
urrection : through the same Christ our Lord. 
Amen. 



LITANY FOR SUNDAY. 



This is an admiralle form of prayer with which 
to close Evening Devotion, or to he read ly some 
devout person for a small Congregation, ivhen no 
Clergyman can le had. 




LESSED be The Holy and Un- 
divided Trinity, now and for- 
ever. Amen. 



Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord^ have mercy on us, 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Christ, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Lord, have mercy on us. 
Jesus, receive our prayers. 
Lord Jesus, grant our petitions. 
O God The Father, Creator of the world : Have 
mercy on us. 

O God The Son, Redeemer of mankind : Have 
mercy on us. 

O God The Holy Ghost, Perfector of The Elect : 
Have mercy on us 

O Sacred Trinity, Three Persons and One God : 
Have mercy on us. 

Behold, we were conceived in sin, and in ini- 

(117) 




118 



LITANY FOR SUNDAY. 



quity our mothers brought us forth : Have mercy 
on us. 

As we have grown in years we have multiphed 
the number of our offences ; and every day Thy 
Goodness adds to our Uves, our wickedness in- 
creases the number of our transgressions : Have 
mercy on us. 

The law of our body makes war against the 
law of our mind, and brings us into subjection to 
sin; so that the good which we would, we do not, 
and the evil which we would not, that we do : Have 
mercy on us. 

We have sinned in the vain thoughts and un- 
lawful desires of our hearts, in the idle talk and 
perverse words of our mouths, in the wricked works 
and fruitless course of our lives : Have niercy on us. 

We have sinned against Thee by our ingratitude 
for Thy Blessings, and by our impatience under 
Th)^ Chastisements ; by preferring ourselves and 
the satisfaction of our own inordinate appetites and 
desires before Thee and the observance of Thy 
Holy Commandments : Have mercy on 2is. 

We have sinned against others in not doing to 
them as we w^ould have them do to us, and against 
our own souls in pursuing more eagerly the things 
'of this life, than those which belong to our eternal 
felicity : Have mercy upon us. 

We have sinned in delaying our repentance, 
and breaking the solemn promises of amending our 
lives ; in exposing ourselves to the danger of temp- 
tation, and often omitting the opporlunities of serv- 
ing Thee ; and even our best endeavors are full of 
imperfections : Have mercy on us. 



LITANY FOR SUNDAY. 



119 



We have sinned in not profiting by the talents 
of grace and nature which Thy Bounty hath com- 
mitted to us for our improvement, and idiy spend- 
ing that precious time, and unthankfuUy neglect- 
ing those gracious means, which Thy Goodness 
allows us for the work of our Salvation : Have 
mercy on us. 

Remember what our substance is, that we are 
but as the grass in the field, or a vapor that pass- 
eth away and returneth not again. Remember the 
gracious promises of Jesus Christy and, for the 
merits of His Sacred Passion, from all our sins : 
0 Lord, deliver us. 

From the evils of this present world ; from war, 
pestilence, and famine, from all disastrous mis- 
chances in our bodies, minds, or estates, from 
sudden death, and all other Thy heavy judgments : 
0 Lord, deliver us. 

From the evils o"f the world to come, from the 
dreadful sentence of condemnation and the chains 
of everlasting darkness, from the worm that dieth 
not, and the fire that shall never be quenched : 
O Lord, deliver us. 

From the evil of sin, w^hich is the cause of all 
misery, from the temptations to which we are 
most exposed, and from the neglect of what we 
know to be our duty : O Lord., deliver us. 

Fro mi pride, covetousness, and lust ; from envy, 
gluttony, and anger, and from a slothful coldness 
in what concerns our Salvation : 0 Lord., deliver us. 

From slander, rash judgment, from self-love, 
vainglory, and hypocrisy,^and from stubbornness 
and irreverence towards those that are above us : 
O Lord^ deliver us. 



120 



LITANY FOR SUNDAY. 



From error, schism, and heresy, from denying 
Thee before men for worldly respects, from new 
and factious interpretations of Thy Word, and 
from proudly preferring our private conceits be- 
fore the judgment of Thy Church : O Lord^ de- 
liver us. 

From relapsing into the sins of which we have 
repented, or contracting any customary habit of 
vice, from provoking Thy justice by presumption 
or offending Thy mercy by despair, from mur- 
muring and repining against the orders of Thy 
providence, and from an obstinate and impenitent 
heart': O Lord^ deliver us. 

In the first motions to sin, and the repeated as- 
sauhs of temptation, in time of our trial, when 
Thou seemest to withdraw Thy Grace from us, 
in health and prosperity, in sickness and adversi- 
ty, in the hour of death, and in the day of judg- 
ment : O Lord^ deliver us. 

Deliver us, O Lord, and in all our necessities, 
when we call on Thee, in The Name of Thy Be- 
loved Son, and for the merits of this our only Sa- 
vior, Jesus Christy Who sits at Thy right hand to 
make intercession for us sinners: We beseech Thee, 
hear us. 

That it would please Thee to govern and defend 
Thy Catholic Church, to bless and preserve The 
Supreme Bishop thereof, and all ecclesiastical per- 
sons, in unity of truth, and holiness of life : We 
beseech Thee, hear us. 

That it w^ould please Thee to endue all Chris- 
tian princes and magistrates with the spirit of jus- 
tice^ piety, and wisdom, and subjects with a true 



LITA?.-Y FOR SUNDAY, 



121 



reverence for their superiors and cheerful obedi- 
ence to their just commands ; that all the world 
may live in the beauty of order and the blessings 
of peace : We beseech Thee, hea?^ us. 

That it would please Thee to reduce into the 
union of Thy Church all those whom malice, pas- 
sion, or interest have divided from Thy Faith : and 
with a more particular tenderness to compassion- 
ate all simple and unlearned people, who, by mis- 
instruction, are seduced into error, and by unhap- 
py education, are settled in a prejudice against Thy 
Truth : We leseech Thee, hear us. 

That it would please Thee to convert all Jevrs, 
Turks, and Infidels to Thy Holy Faith, and all 
dissolute Christians to a virtuous life, that none of 
those whom Thou hast made may perish : but that 
all the nations of the earth may adore Thee here 
and be happy with Thee hereafter : We beseech 
Thee^ hear us. 

That it would please Thee to have compassion 
on the miseries of human life, and especially on 
i the afflictions of such as suffer for their conscience ; 
let Thy Pity lighten their burdens and Thy Grace 
strengthen their weakness, that every sad, dejected 
I soul may praise Thee for being released from its 
i pressures : We beseech Thee, hear us. 
\ That it would please Thee to assume into Thy 
I Glory all The Faithful departed in Thy Grace, 
; that, as with patience they expect the satisfaction 
i of Thy Justice, they may with gladness receive 
\ the deliveraace of Thy Mercy : We beseech Thee, 
hear us. 

That Thou wouldst vouchsafe us the grace of 
11 



122 



LITANY FOR SUNDAY. 



knowing Thee, that we may both fear Thee and 
hope in Thee as the absolute Master of punish- 
ment and reward ; that we may serve and worship 
Thee as The Sovereign Lord of Hfe-and death; 
that we may love and praise Thee as. A Most In- 
dulgent Father and Bountiful Benefactor : We he- 
seech Thee^ hear us. 

That Thou wouldst vouchsafe us the grace to 
aspire after Heaven, and value our souls above all 
the transitory enjoyments of the earth : We beseech 
Thee, hear us. 

That Thou wouldst vouchsafe us the grace fre- 
quently to examine and clearly to see the state of 
our consciences, humbly to confess and earnesdy 
to repent of our sins, carefully to avoid all occa- 
sions of relapse, and diligently to practise such 
virtues as conduce most to the cure of our infirmi- 
ties : We beseech Thee, hear us. 

That Thou wouldst vouchsafe us the grace to 
keep a strict watch over our senses, lest they soli- 
cit our hearts to sin : We beseech Thee., hear us. 

That Thou wouldst vouchsafe us the grace al- 
ways to call to mind the end of our creation and 
the vanity of this world, the shortness of our 
lives and the uncertainty of the time of our death, 
the misery of such as die in their sins and the 
unspeakable joys of those who, with their last 
breath, give up their souls into the hands of Thy 
Angels : We beseech Thee, hear us. 

That Thou wouldst vouchsafe us the grace to 
live and die in The Faith and Communion of Thy 
Catholic Church, to enjoy the benefit of Thy Holy 
Sacraments, and participate in the prayers and 



LITANY FOR SUNDAY. 



123 



I good works of all Thy servants throughout the 
world : We beseech Thee^ hear us. 

That Thou wouldst vouchsafe us the grace in 
the last hour of our lives willingly to render our 
. bodies to the earth from whence they came, and 
jo37ful[y to return our souls to Thee Who gavest 
them ; that in the blissful vision of Thy Glory we 
may forever adore Thy Majesty, and in the happy 
company of Thy Saints and Aqgels, forever sing 
praises to Thy Name : We beseech Thee, hear us. 

Son of God, We beseech Thee, hear us, 

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the 
world ; Spare us^ 0 Lord. 

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the 
world ; Hear us, O Lord. 

O Lamb of God, that takest away the sins of the 
world ; Have mercy on us. 

O Lord, hear my prayer ; and let my cry come 
unto Thee, 

LET us PRAY, 

Most Gracious God, the fountain of all mercy 
and blessing, Who desirest not the death of a sin- 
1 ner, nor despisest the tears of the penitent, favor- 
! ably receive this free confession of our sins, and 
effectually move our hearts to a true contrition of 
; all our offences ; that, being pardoned the evils we 
have presumed to do, we may be delivered from 
the evils we deserve to suffer ; and obtaining of 
Thy bounty such graces as we petition for in our 
prayers, we may spend the short remainder of our 
days in a more perfect denial of our own corrupt 
inclinations, and more constant progress towards 



124 



A PRAYER. 



the enjoyment of Thy glorious promises, through 
our Lord and Savior Jesus Christy Who, with Thee 
and The Holy Ghost, liveth and reignelh One God, 
world without end. Amen, 



A PRAYER TO DAILY SAID BY THOSE WHO 
CARRY ABOUT THEM AN AGNUS DEI. 




MY Lord Jesus Christ, The 
True Lamb that taketh away 
the sins of the world, by Thy 
Mercy, which is Infinite, par- 
don my iniquities, and, by 
Thy Sacred Passion, preserve 
me this day from all sin and 
evil. I carry about me this 
Holy Agnus in honor of Thee, as a preservative 
against my own weakness, and as an incentive to 
the practise of that meekness, humility, and inno- 
cence which Thou hast taught. I offer myself up 
to Thee as an entire oblation ; and, in memory of 
that sacrifice of love Thou didst offer for me on 
The Cross, and in satisfaction for my sins, accept, 
O my God, the oblation I make, and may it be 
agreeable to Thee in the odor of sweetness. 
Amen. 



A DEYOUT PARAPHRASE 



SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALJfS- 



7^. 



^4 



Psalm VI. It is the first in order of The 
Seven Penitential Psalms : it contains the prayer 
of a penitent sinner under the divine chastise- 
ment : it may he said, with much benefit, before 
Confession. 

Antiphon : Remember not, O Lord, our of- 
fences, nor those of our parents — neither take 
Thou revenge on our sins. 

Lord, I feel and I admit 
that I am a wretched sinner : 
but however prodigal, I am 
yet Thy child ; I am con- 
scioi^ of my ingratitude and 
folly ; would that I could 
make due satisfaction for my 
sins ! But as I cannot, I sub- 
mit to Thy divine correction ; 
only chastise me as a father : rebuke me not in Thy 
indignation, nor chastise me in Thy wrath, as 
Thou dost the infidel. 

2. Hcje Tnercy an rae^ O Lord, for lam weak : 
li* (125) 




126 



A DEVOUT PARAPHRASE ON 



I am overcome at the sight of my sins ; my strength 
is lessened : as 1 am to suffer, visit me more as a 
physician than as a judge : heal me, for my hones 
are trouhled. 

3. Aiid my soul is trouhled exceedingly : hut 

Thou, 0 Lord, hoio long ? How long, alas ! 

do I deserve this state to continue ? 

4. I have driven Thy Holy Spmt from me by 
my sins : but I am now sorry for them : turn to 
me, O Lord, and deliver my soul : O, save me for 
Thy mercy's sake, 

5. Although my recognition of Thee be worth- 
less, yet I am one among those intellectual 
creatures redeemed by the blood of Thy Beloved 
Son : for His sake, then, have pity on me : I de- 
sire henceforth to keep in mind Thy benefits : grant 
me the opportunity once more, and I trust in Thy 
grace I shall never again abuse it : for there is no 
one in death that is mindful of Thee : and how- 
ever imperfect the declaration of my sorrow for 
sin be now, who shall confess to Thee in hell ? 

6. I have lahored in my groaning ; such is the 
extent of my grief for my sins : and I deplore 
them so sincerely that my contrition shall be as 
enduring as my life ; for ever^y night I will, as it 
were, ivash my hed, I will water my couch ivith 
my tears of repentance. 

7. My eyes are hecome sore with weeping, and 
through the indignation I feel towards myself I 
am exceedingly humbled : alas that I have con- 
tinued so long in sin ! I have grown old amongst 
all 7ny spiritual enemies. 

8. But I am determined not to sin more : dc' 



THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 127 



part, then, from me, all ye that occasion me to 
work iniquity : for my resolution is strengthened 
by divine grace ; the Lord hath heard the voice 
of my iceeping. 

9. The Lord hath heard my supplication : the 
Lord hath received my prayer. 

10. My resolution is fixed ; I am resolved not 
to defer my conversion ; from this moment I will 
begin : let all my spiritual enemies, then, he abashed 
and he very much disappointed : let them turn 
aivay very quickly and he ashamed, for they have 
missed their object : I renounce all occasions of 
sin for the future : I will adhere to my God in the 
contrition and sincerity of my heart. 

Glory be to The Father, &c. 



Psalm XXXI. Second of The Penitential 
Psalms : it describes the happiness of those whose 
sins are forgiven, and the dangers of relapse : 
ft to he said after Confession. 

r M^^^ ^ ^^^ ^v LESSED are they, who, having 




iVlj] sinned, have been truly con- 
trite, and who have had re- 
course to penance, and whose 
%^ iniquities are thereby for- 




^-.^^^i^it-en, and whose sins are 



effaced by the mercy, and 
therefore covered from the 



* eight of The Lord. 



128 



A DEVOUT PAHAPHRASE ON 



2. Thrice Messed is the man to whom, as hav- 
ing never sinned, the Lord hath not imputed si?i, 
and in ichose spirit there is no guile, but in whose 
heart exist innocence, sincerity, and divine love. 

3. But as for me, alas ! I have no pretension to 
innocence ; and having remained so iong in sin, 
without compunction, because I was silent^ when I 
should have cried out for mercy, my very hones 
grew old in iniquity ; but however tardy may have 
been my conversion, by Thy Divine Grace, O 
Lord, I trust it is sincere ; for I felt great spiritual 
consolation, whilst, having received the grace of 
compunction, I cried out all the day for mercy. 

4. My return to Thee, O Lord, is the result of 
the silent workings of Thy paternal chastisements : 
for, day and night, Thy hand was heavy upon 
rae : I have suffered much ; but it was all for my 
good ; I was converted in my anguish, v/ithout 
enduring which I might have gone on in sin, 
braving the voice of conscience, whilst I was 
struggling between sin and repentance ; but the 
thorn of my guilty conscience is fastened to my 
heart. 

5. But I have acknowledged my sin to Thee^ 
which, if I would, I could not conceal. I have 
acknowledged it also to Thy minister, and my in- 
iquity I have not concealed, 

6. And O, how wise and holy is this Thy 
divine institution of Confession ! Does it not open 
to the repentant sinner himself the true state of 
his interior ? How can he confess to Thy minis- 
ter without previously reflecting on his sin ? And 
if h'e were not obliged to this, v/duid he not go on, 



THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 129 

adding sin to sin, until, without compunction, cor- 
rection, or fear, he would complete the fulness of 
his sins, and die, while in enmity with Thee, with- 
out pardon, grace, or repentance ? And, through 
a devout apprehension of a calamity like to this, 
and one greater, beyond comparison, than any 
other, / said within myself, I ivill confess, against 
myself my iniquity to The Lord : and lo, in Thy 
mercy I am consoled in the assurance that Thou 
hast forgiven the icickedness of vfiy sin. 

7. Wherefore shall every one that desireth to be 
delivered from sin, as from the greatest of evils, 
and that is anxious to be in charity with Thee, and 
thus be holy ; w^herefore should he pray to Thee in 
a seasonable thne^ and not defer it until the untimely 
hour of death, to grant him the grace of repent- 
ance ? Blessed be Thy Adorable Name, O Lord, 
Thou hast given me, however unworthy, this great 
blessing : O, grant that I may persevere to the 
end in holy fear and in true contrition, and finally 
die the death of the just. 

8. For although men, from time to time, pro- 
pose to give up sin and do penance, nevertheless 
they are often lost in the flood of the many temp- 
tations which, like waters^ surround them ; and 

j they shall not ever come near unto Him who is at 
I the hour of death the subject of their unavailing 
\} fear more than the object of their Christian hope 
or love. 

I 9. But Thou, O God, art my refuge from the 
\ trouble with lohich sin hath encompassed me : O 
^ God, my joy when nothing earthly can give joy, 
do Thou, in Thy mercy, deliver me from all sin 



130 



A DEVOUT PARAPHRASE ON 



for the future ; and as to the temptations of ordina- 
ry life which I shall have to meet, I shall not fear 
them that surround me while^ Thy aid is near. 

10. And, blessed be Thy mercy, Thou hast 
condescended to hear the supplication of Thy ser- 
vant : I feel as if Thy Spirit said to me, I will 
give thee uiider standings that thou mayest discover 
the snares of thy spiritual enemies and avoid them. 
And I will instruct thee in the loay in which thou 
shalt go ; so that my providence shall ever mark 
out to thee what thou art to shun and what thou 
art to do : I will fix my eyes upon thee ; so that 
thou mayest persevere to the end in thy fidelity to 
Me and save thy soul." 

11. Dear and Beloved God, I still hear Thy 
Holy Spirit warn me against relapse : do not, says 
the Spirit, become like the horse and muU,, who have 
no understanding. Remember what is at stake 
by your again falling into sin. You are now re- 
stored to My grace and friendship : let it be your 
most anxious care to keep yourself so : in order 
to this, avoid bad company and all occasions of 
sin : remember your dignity, respect your privi- 
leges, keep My friendship ; it is more valuable to 
you than all the world ; barter not Heaven for any 
worldly object, sell not your birthright for a mess 
of pottage. Do not hecome like the horse and 
mule^ who have no understanding, 

12. Thanks, perpetual thanks, to Thee, O Lord, 
for Thy paternal warning : I am resolved to take it. 
But as I am so weak, O, defend me from the as- 
saults of those who, by their bad example or 
wicked conduct, would seek my spiritual ruin : if 



THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALIMS. 



131 



they will act like the horse and mule, who 
have no understanding, prevent them, at least, 
from doing evil to me, who am resolved to fulfil 
Thy law to the last hour of my breath : if they 
will not serve Thee, but will yet talk scandal, in 
Thy mercy towards others, hind fast their jaws ; 
infuse Thy fear into them ; even though it be but 
servile, 'tis sufficient to check them, as icith hit 
and hridle : for they are of the number of those 
wJio will come not near unto Thee, Keep them afar 
off also from thy poor weak servant. 

13. From experience 1 know that many are 
the scourgfs of the sinner ; hut they are tenfold 
severe for the impenitent or the relapsing sinner : 
and I most humbly and devoutly pray, as I hope, 
that I may never again be visited in Thy anger : 
for I know that mercy shall encompass him that 
hopeth in The Lord. 

14. O my soul, he glad in The Lord ; and re- 
jo ice with me, all ye just : and give glory to the 
Lord, all ye right of heart; for He has been 
merciful unto me. His servant. 

Glory be to The Father, (Sec. 



132 



A DEVOUT PARAPHRASE ON 



Psalm XXXVIL The third of The Penitential 
Psalms : it contains the true sentiments of a peni- 
tential heart : may he said before Confession. 

ord^ I know I am an unwor- 
thy sinner; that I deserve to 
be punished for my trans- 
gressions and my negligences : 
but 1 am still Thy child, and 
Thou art my Father. Have 
pity, then, on me : Thou 
knovvest the infirmity of my 
heart and the corruption of my nature : rebuke 
me not in Thy indignation., or I shall be overpow- 
ered ; nor chastise me in Thy wrath., lest I be con- 
sumed with the breath of Thy anger. 

2. I have already experienced some portion of 
Thy just judgments : for Thy chastisements, like 
arrows which are festered in their victim, are, to 
me most painful : and I feel as though Thy hand 
hath been heavy upon me. 

3. O, may this excite me to contemplate the 
terrors of Thy future judgments, so that I may 
escape them : what does it signify to be punished 
here, if my poor soul be saved ? Though it were 
true for me to say, There is no health in my fesh, 
because of Thy wrath^ provided it be the merciful 
anger of a Parent, I am resigned ; but chastise me 
not in Thy wrath to come : though I were to say, 
There is no peace here for my bones, because of 
my sins., I am prepared even for that, if Thou 
wilt remit the eternal punishment due to my trans- 
gressions. 




THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 



133 



4. For my iniquities are gone before Thy 
presence ; their punishment hangs over my head, 
and, as a heavy burden, are hecome heavy upon 
me : but do Thou in Thy mercy lighten them : 
Thou didst say, " Come to Me, all you that are 
heavily burdened, and I will refresh you." O, 
how ardently do I desire that Thou fulfil, in my 
regard, this Thy divine promise ! 

5. For, without Thee, my spiritual sores are in- 
curable, and v/ould become putrijied and corrupt- 
ed. O, what do I not deserve because of my fool- 
ishness, first for consenting to sin, and then for 
presumptuously delaying my repentance ? 

6. / am become irdserable when I reflect on my 
ingratitude to Thee, and am humbled greatly 
when I think on my miserable condition : as I 
meditated on my falling off from gi'ace, I loalked 
sorrowful all the day long. 

7. For what are the pleasures of sin but a 
fleeting phantom ? Alas ! my loins are filled icith 
illusions ; and, following concupiscence, there is 
710 health in my fesh : I know that the wisdom of 
the flesh is death. 

8. I am affiicted and humbled exceedingly when 
I consider that if I live according to the flesh I 
shall die : terrified at the sight of my guilt, I roared 
with the groaning of my heart. 

9. O Lqrd^ keep me' in Thy mercy : well do 
I understand that truth, that if by the spirit I 
mortify the deeds of the flesh, I shall live : I am 
resolved, to do- so; all my desire is before Thee, 
and my groaning is not hid from Thee. 

10. My heart is troubled, my spiritual strength 

12 



134 A DEVOUT PARAPHRASE ON 



hath left me, when I turned aside into the ways of 
sin ; and the interior light of grace, affording a 
far brighter vision of heavenly things than my eyes 
do of visible objects, even that itself is not with 
me while in sin. 

11. My s^iniMdX friends, Thy Blessed Saints 
and my neighbors, the good brethren of The Faith, 
all who would have drawn near to assist me were 
I faithful to Thee, have deserted me and stood 
against me. 

12. And they that ivere^ in my expectations, to 
be near me stood afar off and left me to my spir- 
itual enemies and my passions, and they that 
sought my soul used violence. 

13. O, what a sad condition a soul is reduced 
to in being deprived of sanctifying grace ! Then 
indeed the enemy assumes power over it ; and 
this, alas ! I have experienced ; for they that 
sought evils to me, they spoke vain things to allure 
me still farther into sin, and they studied deceits 
all the day long. 

14. But, blessed be Thy Name, and most hum- 
ble thanks to Thee for Thy mercy. Thou hast 
once more impressed me with the grace of contri- 
tion ; and being resolved to shake off the slough 
of sin, and to return to Thee, my Heavenly Fa- 
ther, I as a deaf man heard them not, and loas 
as a duml) man not opening his mouth or holding 
any conversation with those who depise Thy law. 

15. And towards them I became as a man that 
heareth not, and hath no reproof in his mouth : 
for I was as bad as they are : reproof, therefore, 
would have no effect coming from me ; it is only 



THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 135 



Thou, who gives L unto me the grace of repent- 
ance, canst convert them : and for this did I trust 
in Thy mercy. 

16. For in Thee, O Lord, have I hoped : Thou 
wilt hear me, 0 Lord^ my God. 

IT. For I said, 1 will return to my God, lest at 
any time ray enemies rejoice over me : and I know 
that whilst my feet are moved from the paths of 
virtue and rehgion they are delighted and speak 
great things against me. 

18. For my spiritual enemies hate my conver- 
sion : but, by Thy grace, I am resolved upon it, 
and willing to do every thing to satisfy Thy jus- 
tice : I am ready for scourges.^ only let them 
come from Thy paternal hand and liquidate my 
sins, my sorrow for which is continually before 
me. 

19. For I will declare my iniquity ; and I lo-ill 
think for my sin.- 

20. But do Thou, O Lord, stand near me ; 
for my enemies live, and are stronger than I: 
and they that hate me wrongfully are multiplied. 

21. They that persevere in sin, and render evil 
example for the good example which Thy grace 
enables me to give by my conversion ; they have 
detracted me because I folloived the light of grace, 
which, in Thy goodness, Thou dost impart to me. 

22. Forsake me not, 0 Lord. Thou knowest I 
am sincere ; my God, do not Thou depart from 
me. 

23. Attend unto my help, O Lord^ Thou God 
of my salvation. 

G\ovy be to The Father, &c. 



136 A DEVOUT PARAPHRASE ON 



Psalm L. The fourth of The Peniteritial 
Psalms : it contains the pious effusions of a soul 
imploring pardon for sin : it may he recited with 
advantage hefore Confession. 

RACious is Thy bounty, O 
Lord of heaven and earth. 
Have mercy ^ then, on me, O 
God, according to Thy great 
mercy^ 

2. And according to ^ the 
multitude of Thy tender raer- 
cies hlot out my iniquities. 

3. Before now I have received from Thee par- 
don of sin : but wash me yet more from my in- 
iquity, and cleanse me from my sin. 

4. For I k7iow the baseness and the malice of 
sin ; and therefore my iniquity and my sin is 
always before me, and I shall never cease to cry 
for pardon. 

5. Sin brings its own, disgrace and shame, even 
before man ; and temporal evils follow from its 

-perpetration : but what are these compared to the 
spiritual evils of which it is the rueful cause ? 
Were I sorry for my sins for any temporal motive, 
I know my sorrow would be defective — it would 
not be received by Thee, who judgest not accord- 
ing to human views : but my sorrow for sin, by 
Thy divine grace, is of a higher order — I declare 
my sorrow for sin to be, because I have offended 
Thee, Thou God of infinite goodness : all other^ 
kind of sorrow is insignificant compared with 




TEE SEVEN PEXITEXTIAL PSALMS. 137 



this — I disregard human respect — I submit to 
temporal losses — I despise the world and all it 
can say and do, provided I be again Thy faithful 
servant : to Thee, then, onli/ have I sinned and 
have done evil before Thee : O, grant me pardon 
and remission of my sins, that Thou may est he 
jiLstijied in Thy words ; for Thou didst promise, 
that, if the impious man would forsake his iniquity, 
iniquity should not hurt him : now, I am resolved 
to forsake all manner of iniquity for the remainder 
of my days ; and in Thy mercy, then, grant me 
pardon, that Thou raayest overcome, and Th}- 
judgments be approved of, even by the impious, 
when, in the pride and folly of their conceits, they 
attempt to analyze Thy counsels, and ichen Thou 
art as if judged by them. 

6. O, do have pity on me, in consideration of 
my human infirmity : for^ leJioJd, I icas even 
conceived in iniquities, and in sins did my mother 
conceive me. 

7. Thou knowest, O God, whether I be sincere 
in my declaration of contrition for sin : I know 
that, to be insincere, would be but to put a hinder- 
ance to Thy mercies : for, lehold.^ Thou hast 
loved truth : and the, to us, wicertain or unascer- 
tained and hidden things of Thy icisdom, Thou 
hast made manifest to those on whom thou dost 
confer the grace of true, repentance. O, grant to 
me that favor, that I mQ.y be enabled to appreciate 
the superiority of the spiritual over temporal ad- 
vantages. 

8. Bat, alas ! I feel I am infected v/ith the lep- 
rosy of sin : and as in the old law Thou wert 



138 



A DEVOUT PARAPHRASE ON 



pleased to declare the legal purification of Thy 
people by blood, and hyssop, and many washings, 
and a shorn head, O, may I enjoy the reaUty of 
what these ceremonies were the figure : Thou 
slialt sprinkle me, not with hyssop^ but with the 
blood of The True Paschal Lamb, and then in* 
deed I shall he cleansed. Thou shalt wash me in 
the great reservoir of my Savior's merits, and I 
shall he made whiter than snow, 

9. Then,Jndeed, to my interior hearing Thou 
shalt give joy and gladness far surpassing all 
worldly joy : and the hones and strength of Thy 
poor servant, that have heen humhled by sin, shall 
rejoice on his being restored to the friendship of 
his God. 

10. Turn^ then, Thy face from my sins, and 
hlot out all my iniquities. 

11. Create a clean heart in me, 0 God, and 
reneiv a right spirit within my howels. 

12. Cast me 7iot away from Tliy face, and 
take not Thy Holy Spirit from me. 

13. Restore unto me the joy of Thy salvation, 
and strengthen me with a perfect spirit. 

14. I will, by my example, teach the unjust 
Thy ivays, and how Thou canst have mercy on 
the greatest sinners : and the wicked, excited to 
hope by Thy merciful condescension to me, shall 
he converted to Thee. 

15. Deliver me from all passion and anger, and 
from every temptation that may lead to the efTu- 
sion of hlood : have mercy on me O God, Thou 
God of my salvation.^ and my tongue shall extol 
the infinity of Thy mercy, by which justice, that 



THE SEVEN FEN'ITENTIAL PSAL3IS. 139 



is, righteousness, without merit on niy part, is con- 
ferred upon me. 

16. O Lord, of myself I cannot give expres- 
sion to my gratitude or Thy bounty. Bat TJiou 
icilt open my lips, and my mouth shall declare 
Thy praise. 

17. I now offer to Thee the oblation of my 
heart : for I know Thou art pleased with the 
charity and affection of a grateful penitent : if 
Thou hast desired any other sacrifice, I would in- 
deed have given it : ivith burnt offerings Thou 
wilt not he now delighted. 

18. A sacrifice to God is an afflicted spirit : a 
contrite and humble hearty 0 God^ Thou wilt not 
despise. 

19. Deal favorably^ O Lord, in Thy good 
icill with the scattered members of Thy Church, 
mystically prefigured by Sion : convert them by 
Thy grace — bring them back to the fold of 
peace and reconciliation ; that thus tlie walls of 
Jerusalem.^ which is Thy Church, may be built up. 

20. Then sJialt Thou receive the sacrifice of the 
hearts of the faithful — a sacrifice of justice due 
of them to Thee, their Sovereign Benefactor ; then 
shall they pay Thee the oblations of their affec- 
tion and charity, which Thou dost regard more 
than the whole burnt offerings of Thy former peo- 
ple : tJien shall they lay their vows of love and 

j obedience before Thee, which will be more pleas- 
[ ing to Thee than were the calves Vvhich Thy for- 
i mer people laid upon Thy altar. 
Glory be to The Father, &c. 



140 



A DEVOUT PARAPHRASE ON 



Psalm CI. The fifth of The Penitential 
Psalms : it contains a humble and holy address 
to God for relief in trouble, spiritual or tem^ 
poral. 



-J^^^M shall call upon Thee^ do Thou, 

in Thy Mercy, hear me speedily : 

4. For the life of man is short, and my days 
that are past are vanished like smoke ; and my 
bonesj that are now the principal support of my 
body, shall ere long be grown dry^ like fuel for 
the fire, 

5. I am like one smitten as grass by the over 
heat of the sun : and my heart fails me ; it is as 
though it were withered ; because I have neglected 

v and forgot to eat my spiritual breads to participate 
in The Holy Eucharist. 

6. But I am sorry for this neglect ; I mourn 
sincerely my folly and iniquity; and, through 
grief and contrition, the voice of my groaning 
hath so afflicted me that I feel somewhat as though 
my bones hath cleaved to my skin. 

7. I am become in mind solitary, like a pelican 
in the wilderness ; I am deserted like a night ra^ 
ven in the ruin of a house. 




^1 3. In what day soever I 



^//■A my cry come unto Thee. 



2. Turn not away Thy face 
from me ; in the day ivhen I 
im in trouble^ incline Thy ear 
to me. 



oRD^ hear my prayer ; and let 



THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 141 

8. I have loatcJied for the daydawn, that I may 
make my wants the subject of my prayers : and 
I am so afflicted at the sight of my sins that I feel 
as if I deserved to 'become as a sjparroio forlorn 
and all alo7ie on the house top, 

9. Even those who w^ere my friends have turned 
against me, and all the day long^ as if they w^ere 
my enemies^ reproached me; because I have re- 
solved to forsake iniquity and crime : and they 
that once praised me did swear against me : 

10. Because, resolved to do penance for my 
sins, I did eat with compunction, as if ashes were 
scattered, like the ancient Prophets, on ray Iread^ 
and mingled with my drink my tears of contrition, 
accompanied with sighs and weeping. 

11. And this I have done, because I am aware 
of the terrors of Thy future anger and indigna- 
tio?i : for Thou having lifted mx up by grace and 
faith, and I having proved so unfaithful. Thou hast 
permitted my spiritual enemies to triumph over 
me for a time ; and they have throicn me down, 

12. My days have declined like a shadow ; I 
feel time passing over like a vapor ; and I am ad- 
vancing to that stage of my mortal career, that, 
ere long, shall be withered like grass. 

13. But Thou,, O Lord, endurest forever ; no 
time can alter Thee : and the memory of Thee and 
of Thy power and mercy shall be ever new to all 
generations. 

14. Thy Prophet said. Thou shalt arise and 
have mercy on Sion : for it is time to have mercy 
on it,, for the time is come. Yes, Dear Lord, 

15. Thy Church is firm in faith and discipline 



142 A DEVOUT PAKAPHRASE ON 



like tlie compact stones of a well-built edifice, and 
the beauty and strength thereof have pleased Thy 
apostolic servants; and they shall have pity on 
all poor sinners, like me, in trouble and affliction ; 
they shall intercede in our behalf before Thee ; 
for they love The Church Militant, and the earth 
or territory thereof is to them an object of charity 
and affection. 

16. And he said, The Gentiles shall fear Thy 
Name : yes, O Lord, they do, and all the kings 
of the earth have seen Thy glory. 

17. For the Lord hath built up the new Sion^ 
which is His Church ; and there He shall be seen 
forever in His Glory, 

18. I know that Thou art He that hath regard 
to the prayer of the hujnble^ and that Thou art He 
that hath not at any time despised their petition. 

19. Let these revelations of Thy Mercy, said 
the Prophet, be written for another generation ; 
and the people that shall be created shall praise 
The Lord : and all this has been fulfilled when the 
(^entiles came to walk in Thy Light and kings in 
the brightness of Thy rising. 

20. Because Thou art He that hath looked forth 
from Thy Mercy Seat ; and all who know God 
may understand this to be His High Sanctuary : 
and His Mercy thus inclined Him ; and from heav- 
en the Lord hath looked upon the earthy 

21. That He might hear the groans of them 
that are in the fetters of spiritual slavery ; and 
that He might release from otherwise inevitable 
ruin the children of the people who have been 
slain by their merciless foe, the devil. 



THE SEVEN PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 143 

22. And he hath released them, that they may 
declare The Name of The Lord in Sion and His 
praise in The New Jerusalem^ 

23. When the people and kings should be as- 
sembled together to serve The Lord. 

24. O the joy which possessed the heart of 
Thy Prophet when Thy Holy Spirit made those 
sublime revelations to him, and elicited from him 
a prayer that he might yet more thoroughly under- 
stand the shortness of human life compared with 
Thy never-ending years, and the contemptibility 
of time com.pared with the duration of eternity ! 
And he answered The Divine Spirit and said to 

in the vigor of his youth, and by way of ex- 
pressing his infirmity even in the day of his 
strength, " Declare unto me," said he, " the few- 
ness of my days, that I may repent in time." 

25. Cast me not away like an unprofitable ser- 
vant in the midst of my days., before I be made 
partaker of those blessings with the visions of 
which Thou hast favored me : and as I must, ere 
long, depart this life, let faith support me : for I 
know that my Redeemer liveth, and on the last 
day I shall rise out of the earth, and I shall be 
clothed again with my skin, and in my flesh I shall 
see my God : whom I myself shall see, and my 
eyes shall behold, and not another : this my hope 
is laid up in my bosom ; my days are few indeed, 
but Thy years are unto generation and generation. 

26. In the beginning, O Lord, Thou foundedst 
the earth, and the Heavens are the works of Thy 
Hands. 

27. Even they shall perish.^ hut Thou remain- 



144 



A DEA^OUT PARAPHRASE ON 



est ; and all of them shall grow old like a gar- 
ment. 

28. And as a vesture Thou shalt change them, 
and they shall he changed : hut Thou art alio ays 
the selfsame^ and Thy years shall not fail. 

29. And the spiritual children of Thy beloved 
servants., the Apostles, shall continue and be raised 
to immortality ; and they shall reign with Thee in 
The New Heavens ; and even their spiritual seed, 
those w^ho inherit the Faith from them, shall he 
directed thither and rendered secure in bliss for- 
ever, O, this is the blessed result of true repent- 
ance, which I implore of Thee, O God, to impart 
to me, Thy poor and humble petitioner; and as 
Thou didst look down with pity on the Gentiles, 
and didst send Thy Beloved Son to enlighten those 
who sat in darkness and in the shadow of death, 
and to direct their feet in the way of peace, O, 
do, in Thy pity, have mercy on me in like manner, 
and relieve me in my present distress and trouble. 

Glory be to The Father, &c. 



THE SEVEN PENITEKTIAL PSALMS. 145 



Psalm CXXIX. The Sixth of The Penitential 
Psalms : it is said also for the repose of the 
Souls departed, and is admirably suited for that 
purpose when recited, as hy proxy, for a Soul de- 
tained in Purgatory, 

T the contemplation of Thy 
^^^^ mercy, O Lord, my soul has 
been comforted : therefore, out 
"^^of the depths both of my 
^1 misery and of my contrition / 

Phave cried to Thee, O Lord, 
In thy mercy, Lord, hear my 

2. . - . ^ . ty ears he attentive to the voice of 
my supplication. 

3. For if, without mercy, Thou, 0 Lord, wilt 
mark iniquities. Lord, iclio shall stand it ? 

4. But my hope is fixed in Thee ; for with 
Thee there is merciful forgiveness : Thou hast 
declared it, that, should the impious man relinquish 
his iniquity, iniiquity shall not hurt him. While, 
then, I deplore my own misery, 1 will not forget 
Thy mercy ; and, therefore, hy reason of Thy 
Law of mercy, promising pardon to the truly peni- 
tent, I have waited for Thee, O Lord, until Thou 
deignest to send me consolation and relief. 

5. O, the Lord is good : and therefore my soul 
hath relied on His word : my soul hath hoped in 
The Lord, 

6. Let all the sinners of the earth have confi- 
dence in God : only let them be truly repentant, 

IB 



146 



. A DEVOUT PARAPHRASE ON 



and God will look on them with compassion, and 
forgive them their sins. Let them never cease to 
implore the divine mercy : from the morning'' s 
daivn even until night let Israel, let the faithful of 
the Church of God, hope in The Lord. 

7. Because with The Lord there is mercy ^ and 
with Him plentiful redemption, 

8. And He shall redeem Israel, the people who 
possess His faith, from all His iniquities. 

Glory be to The Father, &c. 



Psalm CXLII. The Seventh of the Penitential 
Psalms : it is piously expressive of Humility and 
Contrition, with an earnest appeal to God for 
mercy : to he piously meditated on before Confes- 
sion or Communion, 



reat and inconceivable as is 
Thy power, O God, Thy 
mercy is not less so. Hear 
Thou, O Lord, my prayers : 
Thou who hast so often 
promised mercy to those who 
repent, give ear to my suppli- 
cation in Thy truth; O, Thou 
who art faithful in Thy prom- 
ises, whose veracity is identified with justice, hear 
me in Thy justice, 

2, And, in Thy mercy, enter not into judgment 
with me Thy humble servant : for^ in Thy sights 




THE SEVE2i PENITENTIAL PSALMS. 147 



unless through the medium of Thy mercy, 7io man 
living shall be justified.. 

3. O, do have pity on me : for the devil, my 
enemy ^ hath persecuted my soul : he hath induced 
me to commit many and grievous sins : he hath 
rendered me so vile in Thy sight, and before men 
and Angels, that I am as though he hath brought 
down my life to the earth, like a creature not 
created for Heaven, or that has lost all celestial 
dignity. 

4. He hath made me dwell i7i the darkness of 
sin, (25 those that have leen spiritually dead of old, 
the Pagans, who knew not Thy truth, nor partici- 
pated in Thy redemption : but Thy grace hath 
touched me ; by its divine light I see my misery ; 
and hence 7ny spirit is in anguish within me ; my 
heart is troubled ivithin me. 

5. / remembered the days of old, the days of 
my youth and innocence, when Thy lamp shone 
over my head ; when, in the holy simplicity of my 
heart, 1 dreaded sin, because I was taught to know 
that Thou wert infinhely ^od and amiable, and 
that sin displeased Thee: 1 remembered the days 
of old — when I loved and served Thee with fideli- 
ty and fervor, and when my purest happiness, un- 
alloyed by care or by ambition, consisted in a 
jealous attention to Thy service : O, may these 
days return ! may I terminate my life as I begun 
it — in Thy love and friendship ! May the good 
works of my youth and early manhood, which 
have become mortified by my subsequent sins, 
revive on my repentance : O, grant me, then, pure, 
sincere contrition, and final perseverance : J medf-^ 



148 



A DEVOUT PARAPHRASE ON 



tated on all Thy works, I mused upon the works 
of Thy hands; and I find Thy mercy the most 
astonishing of them all ; and it is for this reason 
that 

6. / stretched forth my hand to Thee : for I 
have experienced my misery while in sin ; my 
soul is unto Thee, while in that state, as earth 
without ivater- — dry, barren, and fruitless. 

7. Hear me speedily, then, O Lord ; relieve my 
anxiety ; I can scarcely endure to be any longer 
separated from Thee by sin ; my spirit hath faint- 
ed away. 

8. Turn not away Thy face from me, lest I he 
like unto the unredeemed, like unto them that go 
down into the pit. 

9. Cause me to hear Thy mercy in the morning : 
for in Thee have I hoped. 

10. Make the way knoivn to me wherein I should 
walk : for I have Ufted up my soul to Thee. 

11. Deliver me from my enemies., whether of 
soul or body, O Lord ; to Thee have I fled for 
succor : teach me to do Thy ivill forevermore ; for 
Thou art my God, whom I prize before all the 
world, whom I purpose and resolve to love and 
serve before the world, and in all things, until the 
end of my life. 

12. For I know that if I be faithful to myself 
and to Thee, and persevere now to the end in Thy 
love and service, — in virtue and religion, in de- 
testing and renouncing sin, and in the performance 
of all the good I can, — that Thy Good Spirit, my 
sweet Guardian Angel, shall, at the hour of my 
death, lead me inlo the right land — the land of 



THE SEVEN PEN'ITEN'TIAL PSALMS. 149 



eternal bliss — the land of celestial love — the 
land of pure delights — the land of the living, 
where neither death, nor trouble, nor sin, nor 
sickness can abide — the Life Everlasting, whose 
joys and honors, whose happiness and glory, no 
human eye, in our present state, is worthy to be- 
hold, and the intensity, and unalterableness, and 
magnificence of v/hich no heart of man on earth 
is capable to conceive a correct idea ! O, then, 
as I invoke Thy Holy Name, Beloved Jesus, to 
have mercy on me, for Thy Name's sake, O 
Lord, Thou wilt quicken me from the lethargy of 
sin into a life of grace, that I may live for the rest 
of my days in the manner which Thy justice re- 
quires of me. 

13. I have that confidence in Thee that Thou 
icilt bring my soul out of trouole ; and in Thy 
mercy that Thoa wilt destroy the machinations of 
my enemies ; 

14. And that Thou icilt cut off from harming 
me all them that afflict my soul: for I am Thy 
servant, and Thou art my God, in whom I believe, 
in whom I hope, and whom, with my whole heart, 
I desire to love above the world and all things, now 
and forever more. Amen. 

Glory be to The Father, drc. 

Remember not, O Lord, our offences, nor those 
of our parents ; neither take Thou revenge on our 
sins. 

13* 



PRATERS BEFORE MASS. 



ON SUNDAYS. 



"SiM^B ^^^ ^ '^^^'^^ ^'^^ Father, 
^^^^^^1^^^^ and of The Son, and of The 

{ ^^^l Holy Ghost. R, Amen. 

I O Lord, open Thou our 

I lips. 

mouth shall 
_ (ZecZare Thy praise. 

^^ ^^^^ ^^y Let us adore The God of 
Glory. 

i?. ie^ us adore The God of our Salvation. 

The King of Heaven inviteth us and graciously 
calleth us into His Sacred Presence ; to Him we 
owe all the days of our lives ; let us give, at least, 
this one to His Service. 

R. Let us adore The Lord of Glory. 

Always are The Angels assennbled in their choirs 
above ; always are The Saints ready with their 
hymns ; behold now The Church also prepareth 
Her solemn offices, and summoneth all Her chil- 
dren to bring in their tribute of prayer and praise. 

Q. Let us adore The God of our Salvation. 

Come, let us rejoice before The Lord ; let us 
sing joyfully to God our Savior ; let us make 
haste to approach His Presence and proclaim Plis 

(150) 



PEAYEES BEFORE MASS. 



151 



praises : for The Lord is A Great God, and A Great 
King above all gods ; in His hands are all the ends 
of the earth. 

R, Let us adore The God that 7?iade us. 

Let us adore and fall down and lament before 
The Lord that made us ; for He is The Lord our 
God, and we are His people and the sheep of His 
Pasture. 

R. Let us adore and fall down hefore Hini. 

To-day, if you should hear His voice, harden 
not your hearts, but listen awfully to His TTord, 
and bend your knees before His Holy Altar. 

jR. We will adore The Lord of Glory ; we will 
worship The God of our Salvation, 

Our Father, &c. 

AX ACT OF C0>'TRITI0N. 

O my God, for the sake of Thy Sovereign Good- 
ness and Infinite Perfection, which I adore most 
reverend y, I am exceedingly sorrv^ from the bot- 
tom of my heart, and am grieved for having offend- 
ed, by my sins, this Thy Infinite Goodness ; and I 
firmly resolve, by the assistance of Thy Grace, 
nevermore to offend Thee for the time to come, 
and carefully to avoid the occasions of sin. 

C. TTherefore^ O God, we come hefore Thee 
this day to heg pardon for our transgressions 
and to implore Thine Assistance for the time to 
come, 

AN ACT OF FAITH. 



I firmly believe that there is One only God, 



152 



PRAYERS BEFORE MASS. 



and that in This One God there are three distinct 
persons, The Father, The Son, and The Holy- 
Ghost. That The Son took to Himself the nature 
of man from the womb of The Virgin Mar/, by 
the operation of The Holy Ghost, and that in this 
our human nature he was crucified and died for 
us. That afterwards He arose again and ascended 
up into Heaven, from whence He shall come to 
reward the just with everlasting glory, and to in- 
flict everlasting punishment on the wicked. More- 
over, I believe whatsoever else The Catholic 
Church proposes to be believed ; and this be- 
cause God, Who is The Sovereign Truth, Who 
can neither deceive nor be deceived, hath revealed 
all these truths to This His Church. 

C. Grant,, O God, that loe may humbly receive 
Mnd firmly hold fast all those truths which Thou 
hast revealed and Thy Church hath proposed to 
our belief. 

AN ACT OF HOPE. 

O my God, relying on Thy Almighty Power 
and on Thy Infinite Mercy and Goodness, and be- 
cause Thou art faithful to Thy Promises, I trust in 
Thee that Thou wilt grant me forgiveness of my 
sins, through the merits of Jesus Christ, Thy Son ; 
and that Thou wilt give me the assistance of Thy 
Grace, with which I may labor to continue to the 
end in the diligent exercise of all good works, that 
I may thus deserve to obtain the glory which Thou 
hast promised in Heaven. 

C. This Hove, thus grounded on Thy Mercy, 
Thy Power, and Thy Promises, still more, O God, 
confirm and strengthen in us. 



PRAYERS BEFORE MASS. 



153 



AN ACT OF CHARITY. 

O Lord, my God, I desire to love Thee with my 
whole heart and above all things, because Thou 
art The Sovereign Good, and, by reason of Thine 
Infinite Perfection, art most worthy of all love : 
and for Thy sake I desire to love my neighbor as I 
love myself. 

C. Thus only, O Lord, can ice fulfil our duty 
and Thy Commandments in loving Thee above all 
things^ and our neighbor as ourselves. 

LET US TRAY. 

O Almighty and Eternal God, Who hast ap- 
pointed us six days in which we m.ay labor and 
do all our work, and hast consecrated the seventh 
to Thyself, grant, we beseech Thee, that, according 
as Thou hast commanded, we may sanctify this 
day by devoting it to Thy Love and Service. 
Mercifully forgive us all our past neglect in this 
kind, pardon the sins which we have been guilty 
of during the course of the week, and give us grace 
to avoid them for the future. ]\Iake us sensible, 
O God, of the daily blessings v/hich v/e receive 
from Thy Bounty, that, as we know. Thee by Faith, 
we may love Thee by Charity, and, fixing all our 
hopes on the happiness of a future life, we m.ay 
patiently suffer in submission to Thy Holy Will 
what Thou now permittest, and come at length to 
the joys of Thy Heavenly Kingdom, through our 
Lord Jesus Christ, Thy Son, Who liveth and reigneth 
with Thee, and The Holy Ghost, One God, T^/orid 
without end. Amen. 



154 



PRAYERS BEFORE MASS. 



A PRAYER BEFORE MASS. 

Let US pray, 

O Merciful Father, Who didst so love the world 
as to give up for our redemption Thy Beloved Son, 
Who, in obedience to Thee, and for us sinners, 
humbled Himself even unto the death of the cross, 
and continues to offer Himself daily, by the minis- 
try of His Priests, for the Living and the Dead, we 
humbly beseech Thee that, penetrated with a lively 
Faith, we may always assist, with the utmost devo- 
tion and reverence, at the oblation of His Most 
Precious Body and Blood, which is consecrated 
at Mass, and thereby that we may be made par- 
takers of The Sacrifice which He consummated 
on Calvary. 

In union with Thy Holy Church and its minister, 
and invoking The Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of 
God, and all The Angels and Saints, we now offer 
The Adorable Sacrifice of The Mass, 1st, to Thy 
Honor and Glory, to acknowledge Thy Infinite 
Perfections, Thy Supreme Dominion over all Thy 
creatures, our entire subjection to Thee, and our 
total dependence on Thy Gracious Providence ; 
and, 2ndly, in thanksgiving for all Thy Benefits ; 
and, 3rdly, for the remission of our sins. 

We offer it for the propagation of the Catholic 
Faith ; for our Most Holy Father The Pope ; for 
our Archbishop, (or Bishop,) and for all the Pas- 
tors and Clergy of Thy Holy Church, that they may 
direct The Faithful in the way of Salvation ; for 
the President, and for all that are in high station, 



PRAYERS BEFORE I\IASS. 



155 



that we may lead quiet and holy lives ; for peace 
and good will among all states and people ; for tlie 
necessities of mankind, and particularly for the 
congregation here present, to obtain all blessings 
w"e stand in need of in this life, everlasting happi- 
ness in the next, and eternal rest to The Faithful 
departed. 

And as Jesus Christ so ordained, when he insti- 
tuted at His Last Supper this wonderful mystery 
of His Power, Wisdom, and Goodness, we offer 
This Mass in grateful remembrance of all He has 
done and suffered for the love of us ; making special 
commemoration of His Bitter Passion and Death, 
and of His Glorious Eesurrection and of His As- 
cension into Heaven. 

Vouchsafe, O Almighty and Eternal God, for 
to Thee alone so great a sacrifice is due, graciously 
to accept it, for these and all other purposes, 
agreeable to Thy Holy Will ; and, to render it the 
more pleasmg, we offer it to Thee through The 
Same Jesus Christ, Thy Beloved Son, our Lord 
and Savior, our High Priest and Victim ; and in 
The Name of The Most Holy Trinity, The Father, 
The Son, and The Holy Ghost, to whom be honor, 
praise, and glory, forever and ever. Amen. 



PRAYERS AFTER MASS. 



Let us offer up our prayers to Almighty God 
for the repose of the souls of The Faithful departed. 



For with Thee there is merciful forgiveness ; 
and hy reason of Thy law I have icaitedfor Thee^ 
O Lord. 

My soul hath relied on His word ; my soul hath 
hoped in The Lord. 

Fro7n the morning watch even until night let 
Israel hope in The Lord. 

Because with The Lord there is mercy, and with 
Him plentiful redemption. 

And He shall redeem Israel from all pis ini- 
quities, 

F. Eternal rest grant to them, O Lord. 



PSALM cxxix. Be Profundis. 




(156) 



PKAYERS AFTER MASS. 



157 



jR. A]id let perpetual light shine upon them. 

V. O Lord, hear my pra3^er. 

R, And let my supplication come to Thee. 

LET rS PRAY. 

O God, The Creator and Redeemer of all the 
Faithful, give to the souls of Thy servants departed 
the remission of all their sins, that, through pious 
supplications, they may obtain the pardon which 
they have always desired, who livest and reignest 
forever and ever. R. Amen. 

V. Eternal rest grant unto them, O Lord. 

R. And let perpetual light shine upon them. 

V. May they rest in peace. R, Amen. 

Let us offer up our prayers for the sick. 

V. Heal Thy servants, O Lord, w^ho are sick 
and who put their trust in Thee. 

JR. Send them help, 0 Lord, and comfort from 
Thy holy place. 

LET us PRAY. 

O Almighty and Everlasting God, the eternal 
salvation of them that believe in Thee, hear us 
in behalf of Thy servants who are sick, for whom 
we humbly crave the help of Thy Mercy, that, 
their health being restored to them, they may ren- 
der thanks to Thee in Thy Church, through Jesus 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

Let us offer up our prayers for those that are ia 
prison and affliction. 

14 



158 



PRAYERS AFTER MASS. 



V. O Lord, deal not with us according to our 
sins. 

R, Nor reward us according to our iniquities, 

LET US PRAY. 

O God, Whose property is always to have mercy 
and to spare, receive our petitions, that we and all 
Thy servants who are bound by the chain of sin, 
may by the compassion of Thy Goodness be mer- 
cifully absolved. 

Let us pray for those that are in slavery. 

V, From Heaven The Lord hath looked down 
upon the Earth. 

jR. That He might hear the groans of those that 
are in fetters. 

LET US PRAY.' 

O God, Who didst deliver Peter The Apostle 
from his chains and free him from his enemies 
unhurt, liberate Thy servants through his interces- 
sion, and grant that their deliverance from slavery 
to the freedom of Citizens may lead them to the 
cultivation of E^eligion and of all virtue ; that thus 
they may be enabled to enjoy an exemption from 
sin, which is the most precious Liberty, until they 
come to the fruition of the glory of Thy Son : 
through The Same Christ our Lord. Amen, 

Let us offer up our prayers for our absent breth- 
ren, that those who are prevented from attending 
Mass this day by any legitimate cause may rejoice 



PRAYEES AFTER MASS. 



159 



in the removal thereof ; and that those who, through 
sloth or indifference, have neglected to sanctify 
this day, may obtain the grace of true contrition 
for this and all their other sins. 

V, O God, save Thy servants trusting in Thee. 
R. Send them help, O Lord^ from Thy Holy 
Place, 

LET us PRAY. 

O God, Who by sin art offended and by penance 
pacified, mercifully regard the prayers of Thy 
people making supplication to Thee, and turn away 
the scourges of Thy Anger which we deserve for 
our sins. 

Let us pray for our benefactors in general, and 
especially for the benefactors of this mission, that 
God may increase their temporal means a hundred 
fold and bring them to eternal life. 

F. Save Thy people, O Lord, and bless Thy 
inheritance. 

R. Govern them and exalt them forever, 

LET US PRAY. 

O God, The Protector of all that hope in Thee, 
without whom nothing can have either strength or 
holiness, multiply Thy Mercy, we beseech Thee,, 
upon us, that. Thou being our Governor and our 
Guide, we may so pass through the goods of this life 
as not to lose those which are eternal : through 
Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen. 



160 



PRAYERS AFTER MASS. 



THE " TE DEUM." 

We praise Thee, O God ; we acknoioledge Thee 
to he our Lord. 

All the earth worshippeth Thee, The Father 
everlasting. 

To Thee all The Angels cry aloud ; the heavens 
and the heavenly powers. 

To Thee The Cherubim and Seraphim continu- 
ally do cry, Holy, 

Holy, 

Holy, Lord God of Sabaoth. 
Heaven and earth are full of the majesty of Thy 
Glory. 

The glorious choir of the Apostles praise Thee. 

The admirahle company of the Prophets j^raise 
Thee. 

Thee the white-robed army of martyrs doth 
praise. 

Thee The Holy Church throughout the world 
doth acknowledge. 

The Father of incomprehensible Majesty. 

Thy Adorable, True, and Only Son. 

And The Holy Ghost, The Paraclete. 

Thou, 0 Christ, art The King of Glory. 

Thou art The Everlasting Son of The Father. 

Thou, being to take upon Thee to deliver man, 
didst not disdain The Virgin s womb. 

Thou, having overcome the sting of death, hast 
opened to believers the kingdqm of heaven. 

Thou sittest at the right hand of God, in the 
glory of The Father. 

Thee we believe to be The Judge to come^ 



PrtAYErtS AFTER MASS. 



161 



We beseech Thee, ther^efore, to help Thy ser- 
vants ichom Thou hast redeemed icith Thy Precious 
Blood, 

Make them to be numbered with Thy Saints in 
eternal glory. 

O Lord^ save Thy joeople, and Mess Thy inherit" 
ance. 

And govern them and exalt them forever. 
Every day we magnify Thee. 
And we praise Thy Name forever and ever. 
Vouchsafe, O Lord., to keep us this day without 
sin. 

Have mercy on us, O Lord, have miercy on us. 

Let Thy Mercy, 0 Lord., he upon us^ as we have 
put our trust in Thee. 

In Thee, O Lord, have I put my trust: let me 
not be confounded forever. 

LET US PRAY. 

We give Thee thanks, Almighty and Gracious 
Father, that Thou hast perm.itted us this day to 
offer our homiage to Thy Divine Majesty, and es- 
pecially that Thou hast allowed us to be present at 
The Most Holy Sacrifice of the body and blood of 
Thy Beloved Son. If we have been wanting in 
attention and devotion, pardon us, we beseech 
Thee, in pity to our weakness. For the sake of 
Him whose sufferings and death we have com- 
memorated, grant the petitions which we have 
made in His Name, and send down upon us Thy 
Blessing, which may remain with us forever, 
through the same Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen, 
14* 



162 



PRAYERS AFTER MASS. 



When persons are prevented by distance, delicacy of 
health, or any other lawful impediment, from assisting at 
Mass on Sundays and Holydays, they should take every 
due care to recite at home the prayers for Mass, and, if 
possible, at the exact hour at which Mass is celebr-ited, 
and thus unite their prayers with the prayers of the Con- 
gregation in the Church. If the whole fdmWy are prevented 
from going, the head of the family should assemble them 
and give out the prayers for Mass, at which the rest should 
join with great piety and reverence. 

Ics^«ad of " We praise Thee, O God," the Psalm, 
*' Have mercy on me,^' p. 264, is said during Advent and 
Lent. 



} 




INSTRUCTIONS 

FOR THOSE MO ARE TO SERYE MASS. 



YorxG boys v^ho desire to attend on The Priest in 
serving Mass should be made avrare that, when the sanctity 
of Christians was most conspieuouSj the most distinguished 
for rank, honor, and learning were the m.ost desirous to 
serre Mass, and deemed it a high favor to be allowed to 
do so. Therefore none but religious, pious youths should 
presume to offer themselves. Indeed, it is a sifrn of grace 
that a child should desire to serve Mass. The parents 
should therefore study, as much as possible, to keep their 
ehildren in a state of innocence, in order the better to qualify 

(163) 



164 INSTRUCTIONS FOR SERVING MASS. 



them for so holy an employment. St. Gregory says, 
" Who of The Faithful can have any doubt but that in 
the time of immolation, at the voice of The Priest, the 
Heavens are opened and choirs of Angels are present at 
the Mystery of Jesus Christ ? " From these words v/e 
may understand the purity of heart, and also the external 
devotion, necessary in all those who would desire to serve 
Mass devoutly. Let such persons, then, attentively study 
the following rules : — 

GENERAL RULES FOR SERVING MASS. 

1. Servers, should be particular to have their 
hair, face and hands, shirt and shoes, clean before 
they would think to come into The Sacristy. 

2. The Servers never should run or appear hur- 
ried : they should never smile in The Sacristy or 
while serving Mass. 

3. The Servers should reverently genuflect on 
entering or retirhig from The Sanctuary. 

4. Silence should be strictly observed in The 
Sacristy. 

5. The Servers should see that the bread, wine, 
water, towel, &c., are duly prepared before Mass. 

6. In lighting the candles, the Servers should be 
most cautious not to let any drops of wax fall on 
the Altar or Ahar linen. 

7. The Servers should handle the wine and wa- 
ter cruets very gently ; should hold them by the 
handle, or from the bottom, so as not to spread the 
hand round them, lest the wine and water become 
heated, or the cruets soiled. 

8. The Servers' hands should be closed, palm 
to palm, and kept so before the chest, the fingers 
in an upright position, during Mass, except v/hen 
the hands are occupied with a book, censer, &c. 



OSTRUCTIO^^S FOR SESVIXG :.IASS. 165 



9. The Servers should never look behind them 
nor negligently look about them, but should keep 
their eyes constantly on the Tabernacle or be de- 
voutly engaged in prayer. 

10. Should any Server be so rude as to spit in 
The Sacristy, or Sanctuary, he should never again 
be allowed to come in there : every boy should 
have his handkerchief in his pocket, and use it as 
occasion may require. 

11. The Servers should kneel from the begin- 
ning of Mass to The Gospel and from The Offer- 
tory to the draughting of The Chalice ; also during 
the administration of Holy Communion, and from 
The ^^Bomlmis voMscum^''''' previous to The Post 
Communion, to The Second Gospel. 

12. The Servers should stand during the read- 
ing of The Two Gospels and The Creed. The 
Server who is at The Epistle side should stand be- 
hind the Priest after The Beo Graiias,''' that he 
may be in readiness to remove the book. 

13. If there be but one Server, he remains, 
kneeling or standing, at the side of the Altar con- 
trary to that at which the book lies. 

14. V\'hen the book is left open after The Post 
Communion, it is to be removed to The Gospel 
side of the Altar. 

15. The bell is to be runo; four times durino; 
Mass : first, at The Sanctus ; secondly, at the 
spreading of the Priest's hanos over the Chalice, 
and at this time very gently ; thirdly, at the ele- 
vation both of The Host and Chalice : and fourth- 
ly, at The Do'mine non sum disnus.'' 

16. The Servers are to genuflect as often as 
they pass before The Blessed Sacrament. 



166 MANNER OF SERVING AT MASS. 



17. The boys have to commit to memory the 
Latin of the Serving of The Priest at Mass, the 
proper and distinct pronunciation of which is very 
easy indeed, if the Server, or Servers, will only 
be attentive to two or three readings of it under 
the pious care of their Pastor or some one ap- 
pointed by him for that purpose. 



THE MANNER OF SERVING AT MASS. 



THE CLERK, IF ONLY ONE, KNEELING AT THE 
LEFT HAND OF THE PRIEST, SHALL AN- 
SWER HIM AS FOLLOWS. 

Priest, Introibo ad altare Dei. 
Clerk. Ad Deum Qui Isetificat juventutem 
meam. 

Pr. Judica me, Deus, et discerne causam 
meam'de gente non sancta : ab homine iniquo et 
doloso erue me. 

CI. Quia Tu es, Deus, fortitude mea : quare me 
repulisti, et quare tristis incedo, dum affligit me 
inimicus ? 

Pr. Emitte liicem tuam etveritatem tuam : ipsa 
me deduxerunt, et adduxerunt in montem sanctum 
tuum, et in tabernacula tua. 

CI. Et introibo ad altare Dei : ad Deum Qui 
Isetificat juventutem meam. 



MANNER OF SERVING AT MASS. 



167 



Pr. Confitebor tibi in citbara, Deus, Deus 
me us : qnai-e tristis es, anima mea, et quare con- 
turbas me ? 

CL Spera in Deo, quonium acibuc confitebor 
illi : salutare valtus mei, et Deus meus. 

Pr. Gloria Patri, et Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. 

CL Sicut erat in principio, et nunc, et semper, 
et in seecula sseculorum. Amen. 

Pr. Et introibo ad altare Dei. 

CI. Ad Deum Qui Isetificat juventutem meam. 

Pr. Adjutorium nostrum in nomine Domini. 

CL Qui fecit ccelum et terram. 

Pr. Confiieor Deo, &g. 

CL Misereatur tui Omnipotens Deus, et dimissis 
peccatis tuis perducat te ad vitam seternam. 
Pr. Amen. 

CL Confiteor Deo Omnipotenti, Beatse Marise 
semper Virgini, Beato Michaeli Arcbangelo, Beato 
Joanni Baptists, Sanctis Apostolis Petro et Paulo, 
Omnibus Sanctis, et Tibi Pater, quia peccavi 
nimis cogitatione, verbo, et ope re, [here he strikes 
his breast thrice^] mea culpa, mea culpa, mea max- 
ima culpa. Ideo precor Beatam Mariam semper Vir- 
ginem, Beatum Michaelem i^rchangelum, Beatum 
Joannem Baptistam, Sanctos Apostolos Petrum et 
Paulum, Omnes Sanctos, et te, Pater, orare pro me 
ad Dominum Deum nostrum. 

Pr. Misereatur vestri, &c. 

CL Amen. 

Pr. Indul^gentiam, absolutionem, &:c. 
CL Amen. 

Pr, Deus Tu conversus vivificabis nos. 
CL Et plebs tua la^tabitur in te. 



168 



MANNER OF SERVING AT MASS. 



Pr. Ostende nobis, Domine, misericordiam 
tuam. 

CI. Et salutare tuum da nobis. 

Pr. Domine, exaudi orationem meam. 

CI. Et clamor meus ad te veniat. 

Pr. Dominus vobiscum. 

CI. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

Pr. Kyrie eleison. 

CL Kyrie eleison, 

Pr. Kyrie eleison. 

CI. Christe eleison. 

Pr. Christe eleison. 

CI. Christe eleison, 

Pr. Kyrie eleison. 

CI. Kyrie eleison. 

Pr. Kyrie eleison. 

Pr. Dominus vobiscum. 

CI. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

Pr. Per omnia ssecula sseculorum. 

CI. Amen. 

At the end of the Epistle say, 

CI. Deo gratias. 

The Epistle and Gradual, or Tract, being read, remove 
The Mass Book to the right hand of The Altar, making a 
genuflection as you pass before the middle of The Altar. 

Pr. Dominus vobiscum. 
CI. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

Pr. Sequentia Sancti Evangelii secundum, &c. 

Making the sign of the cross, say, 
CI. Gloria tibi, Domine. 

At the end of The Gospel say, 



MANNER OF SERVING AT MASS. 



169 



CI. Laus tibi, Christe. 
Fr, Dominus vobiscum. 
CI. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

Here the Clerk is to give wine and water to the Priest. 
The Priest then washes his fingers, after which the Servers 
go to their place and answer, — 

Pr. Orate Fratres, &c. 

CI. Suscipiat Dominus sacrincium de manibus 
tuis, ad laudem et gloriam nominis sui, ad utilita- 
tem quoque nostram, totiusque ecclesise suae sanctse. 

Pr, Per omnia ssecula saeculorum. 

CI. Amen. 

Pr. Dominus vobiscum. 

CI. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

Pr. Sursum corda. 

CI. Habemus ad Dominum. 

Pr. Gratias agamus Domino Deo nostro. 

CI. Dignum et justum est. 

Pr. Per omnia ssecula sseculorum. 

CI. Amen. 

Pr. Et ne nos inducas in tentationem. 
CI. Sed libera nos a malo. 
Pr. Per omnia saecula saeculorum. 
CZ. Amen. 

Pr. Pax Domini sit semper vobiscum. 
CI. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

The Priest's Communion being ended, be ready to give, 
first wine, and then wine and water. But if there be Com- 
municants,, say the Confiteor. Then remove the book to 
the left hand of the Altar, and return to your former place. 

Pr. Dominus vobiscum. 
CI. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

15 



170 MANNER OF SERVING AT MASS. 

Pr. Per omnia ssecula saeculorum. 
CL Amen. 

Fr, Ite, Missa est, or Benedicamus Domino. 
CI, Deo gratias. 

In Masses for the Dead. 

Pr. Requiescant in pace. 
CI, Amen. 

Kemove the book, if it be left open ; kneel and receive the 
Priest's blessing. 

Pr. Pater, et Filius, et Spiritus Sanctus. 
CI. Amen. 

At the beginning of the last Gospel. 

Pr. Dominus vobiscuni. 
CI. Et cum spiritu tuo. 

Pr, Initium, or Sequentia sancti Evangelii, &c. 
CI. Gloria tibi, Domine. 

At the end say, 

CI. Deo gratias. 

The Servers now put out the candles and lay up all de- 
cently and carefully. 



THE 



ORDINARY 



OF MASS. 



THE PRIEST AT THE FOOT OF THE ALTAR, BE- 
GIXr^ING, SAITH : 



In Nomine Patris et 
Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. 
Amen. 

Ant. Introibo ad al- 
tare Dei. 

R. AdDeum, quilseti- 
ficat juventutem meam. 



+ 

; In The Name of The 
Father, and of The Son, 
and of The Holy Ghost. 
Amen, 

Anth. I will go unto 
the altar of God. 

R. To God ^ who giv- 
, ethjoy to my youth. 



PSAL3r XLII. 



JuDicA me, Deus, et 
decerne causam meam 
de gente non sancta : 
ah homine iniquo et do- 
lose erue me. 

R. Quia tu 65, Deus^ 
fortitudo mea, quare im 
repulisti ? Et quare 



Judge me, 0 God, and 
distinguish my cause 
from the nation that is 
not holy : from the un- 
just and deceitful man 
deliver me. 

R, Since Thou, O 
God, art jny strength^ 
why ha§t Thou cast me 
(171) 



172 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



tristis incedo^ dum affii- 
git me inimicus, 

P. Emitte lucem tu- 
am, et veritatem tuam : 
ipsa me deduxerunt, et 
adduxerunt in Montem 
sanctum tuum, et in 
Tabernacula Tua. 

R. Et introiho ad ah 
tare Dei ; ad Deum qui 
Icetijicat juventutem me- 
am, 

P, Confitebor tibi in 
cithara, Deus, Deus 
meus, quare tristis es, 
anima mea, et quare 
conturbas me ? 

R. Spera in Deo^ quo- 
niam adliuc conjitehor 
illi^ saluiare vultus mei^ 
et Deus mens. 

P. Gloria Patri, et 
Filio, et Spiritui Sancto. 

R, Sicuteratinprin- 
cipio^ et nunc^ et semper^ 
et in scecula sceculorum. 
Amen, 

P, Introibo ad altare 
Dei. 

J^. Ad Deum qui IcBti' 
ficat juventutem meam. 



off 7 And why do I go 
sorrowful while the ene- 
my afflicteth me ? 

P. Send forth Thy 
Light and Thy Truth: 
they have conducted me 
and brought me to Thy 
Holy Mount, and into 
Thy Tabernacles. 

R, And I will go unto 
the altar of God ; to 
God who giveth joy to 
ray youth. 

P. I will praise Thee 
on the harp, O God, my 
God : why art thou sad, 

0 my soul, and why 
dost thou disquiet me ? 

R. Hope in God^for 

1 will still praise liim^ 
the salvation of my coun- 
tenance^ and 7ny God. 

P, Glory be to The 
Father, and to The Son, 
and to The Holy Ghost. 

jR. As it was in the 
beginnings is now^ and 
ever shall he^ world with- 
out end. Amen. 

P. I will go unto the 
altar of God. 

R. To God who giv- 
eth joy to my youth. 



THE ORDINARY OF -MASS. 



173 



P. Adjutorium nos- 
trum in nomine Domini. 

R, Qui fecit CceJum 
et Terrain. 

P, Confiteor, &c. 

R, Misereatur tui 
Omnipotens Deus, et 
dimissis peccatis tuis^ 
perducat te ad vitam 
cBternam. 

P. Amen. 

R. Confiteor Beo Om- 
nipote7iti, heatce Marice 
senijjer Virginia heato 
Micliaeli ArcJiangelo^ 
heato Joanni BaptistcE^ 
Sanctis Apostolis Fetro 
et Paulo., omnibus Sanc- 
tis et tibi., Pater ^ quia 
peccavi nimis cogita- 
tio7ie^ verbo, et opere, 
mea culpa, mea culpa, 
mea maxima culpa. 
Ideo precor beatam Ma- 
riam senrper Virginera^ 
heatum Michaelem Arch- 
angelura., beatum Joan- 
ne ni Baptist am^ sanctos 
Apostolos Petrum et 
Paulum^ 0 nines sanctos^ 
et te, Pater, orare pro 
me ad Bominmn Deuni 
nostrum, 

15=^ 



P. Our help is in the 
name of The Lord. 

R. Who made Heav- 
en and Earth. 

P. I confess, &c. 

R. May Almighty 
God be merciful to thee^ 
and forgiving Thy sins, 
bring thee to everlasting 
life. 

P. Amen. 

R. I confess to Al- 
mighty God^ to Blessed 
Mary ever Virgin^ to 
Blessed Michael The 
Archangel., to Blessed 
John The Baptist, to 
The Holy Ap)ostles Peter 
and Paul, to all The 
Saints, a7id to you. Fa- 
ther, that I have sinned 
exceedingly in thought, 
word, and deed, through 
my fault, through my 
most grievous fault. 
Therefore I beseech The 
Blessed Mary ever Vir- 
gin, Blessed Michael The 
Archangel, Blessed John 
The Baptist, The Holy 
Apostles Peter and 
Paul, and all The Saifits, 
and you, Father, to pjray 
to our Lord God for me. 



174 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



P. Misereatur vestri 
omnipotens Deus, et di- 
missis peccatis vestris, 
perdu cat vos ad vitam 
seternam. 

R. Amen. 

P, Indulgentiam, ab- 
solutionem, et remissio- 
Dem peccatorum nostro- 
rum, tribuat nobis omni- 
potens et misericors 
Dominus. 

R. Amen. 

P. Deus tu conversus 
vivificabis nos. 

R. Et plehs tiia Iceta- 
hiiur in te. 

P. Ostende nobis, 
Domine, misericordiam 
tuam. 

R. Et salutare tuum 
da 7iohis. 

P. Domine, exaudi 
orationem meam. 

JR. Et clamor mens ad 
te veniat. 

P. Dominus vobis- 
cum. 

R. Et cum sjpiritu 
tuo. 

As the Priest goes up 



P. May Almigbty 
God be merciful unto 
you, and, forgiving you 
your sins, bring you to 
life everlasting. 

jR. Amen. 

P. May The Almigh- 
ty and Merciful Lord 
grant us pardon, abso- 
lution, and remission of 
our sins. 

jR. Amen. 

P. Thou, 0 God, be- 
ing turned, wilt enliven 
us. 

R. And Thy people 
will rejoice in Thee. 

P. Show us, O Lord, 
Thy Mercy. 

R. And grant us Thy 
Salvation. 

P. O Lord, hear my 
prayer. 

R. And let my cry 
come unto Thee, 

P. The Lord be with 
you. 

J^. And icith thy 
spirit. 

the Altar, he sajs, — 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



175 



AuFER a nobis, quse- 
sumus, Domine, iniqui- 
tates nostras ; ut ad 
Sancta Sanctorum puris 
mereamur mentibus in- 
troire. Per Christum 
Dominum. Amen. 



Take away from us 
our iniquities, we be- 
seech Thee, O, Lord, 
that we may be worthy 
to enter with pure minds 
into The Holy of Holies. 
Through Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 



When he bows before the Altar, he says, — 

Oramus te, Domine, We beseech Thee, O 
Lord, by the merits of 
Thy Saints, whose rel- 
ics are here, and of all 
the Saints, that Thou 
would St vouchsafe to for- 
give me all my sins. 
Amen. 



per merita sanctorum 
tuorum quorum reliquiae 
hie sunt, et omnium 
sanctorum, ut indulgere 
digneris omnia peccata 
mea. Amen. 



Here, at Solemn Masses, the Priest, after blessing the 
incense and faming the Altar by the sign of the cross, with 
the following words, May est thou be blessed by Him in 
whose honor thou shalt be burned^''^ turns to the book and 
reads 

THE INTRAIT. 



Benedicta sit sancta 
Trinitas, atque indivisa 
Unitas : confitebimur ei, 
quia fecit nobiscum 
misericordiam suam. 
Ps, Domine, Dominus 
noster, quam admirabile 
est nomen tuum in uni- 
versa terra ! 

F. Gloria, etc. 



Blessed be The Holy 
Trinity and undivided 
Unity. We will praise 
It because it hath shown 
His Mercy to us. Ps. 
O Lord, our God, how 
wonderful is Thy Name 
over the utmost boun- 
daries of the earth ! 

F. Glory, ^q. 



176 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



After which is alternately sung or said, — 

P. Kyrie eleison. R, Kyrie eleison, 
P. Kyrie eleison. 
Lord^ have mercy upon us. 
R, Christe eleison, P. Christe eleison. 
R. Christe eleison, 
Christy have mercy upon us, 
P, Kyrie eleison. R. Kyrie eleison, 
P, Kyrie eleison. 
Lord^ have mercy upon us, 

GLORIA IN EXCELSIS. 



Gloria in excelsis 
Deo, et in terra pax 
hominibus bonse volun- 
tatis. Laudamus Te, 
benedicimus Te, adora- 
mus Te, glorificamus 
Te. Gratias agimus 
Tibi propter magnam 
gloriam tuam, Domine 
Deus, Rex coelestis, De- 
us Pater Omnipotens. 
Domine Fili unigenite 
Jesu Christe, Domine 
Deus, Agnus Dei, Filius 
Patris, Qui tollis peccata 
mundi, miserere nobis. 
Qui tollis peccata mun- 
di, suscipe deprecatio- 
nem nostram. Qui se 
des ad dexteram Patris, 



Glory be to God on 
high, and on earth peace 
'to men of good will. 
We praise Thee, we 
bless Thee, we adore 
Thee, we glorify Thee. 
We give Thee thanks 
by reason of Thy Great 
Glory, O Lord God, 
Heavenly King, God 
The Father Almighty. 
O Lord Jesus Christ, The 
Only-Begotten Son, O 
Lord God, Lamb of 
God, Son of The Father, 
Who takest away the 
sins of the world, have 
mercy on us. Who 
takest away the sins of 
the world, receive our 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



177 



miserere nobis. Quo- 
niam Tu Solus Sanctus, 
Tu Solus Dominus, Tu 
Solus Altissimus, Jesu 
Christe, cum Sancto 
Spiritu, in gloria Dei 
Patris. Amen. 



prayers. Who sittest at 
the right hand of The 
Father, have mercy on 
us. For Thou only art 
Holy, Thou only art 
The Lord ; Thou only, 
O Jesus Christ, together 
with The Holy Ghost, 
art Most High in the 
glory of God The Fa- 
ther. Amen. 



Turning to^Yards the people, the Priest says, — 

P. Dominus vobis- P. The Lord be with 
cum. you. 

J^. Et cum sjnritu R. And with thy 
tuo, spirit. 

Coll. Omnipotens, O Almighty and Ever- 
lasting God, Who hast granted Thy servants in 
the confession of the true Faith to acknowledge^the 
glory of an Eternal Trinity, and in the power of 
majesty to adore a Unity, we beseech Thee, that 
by the strength of This Faith we may be defended 
from all adversity : through our Lord Jesus Christ, 
Who, with Thee and the Holy Ghost, liveth and 
reigneth, God, forever and ever. R. Amen. 

* II. Coll. A cunctis. Preserve us, O Lord, 
we beseech Thee, from all dangers of body and 

This Collect, with its corresponding Secret and Post 
Communion, is said every day as a second Collect, &c., 
(Doubles and within Octaves excepted,) from Candlemas 
■day to Passion Sunday, and from Trinity Sunday to The 
First Sunday of Advent inclusively. 



178 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



soul, and by the intercession of Glorious and T^pss- 
ed Mary, The Ever Virgin Mother of God, ot The 
Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, of Blessed N., 
and of all the Saints, grant us, in Thy mercy, 
health and peace, that, adversities and errors being 
removed, Thy Church may serve Thee with a pure 
and undisturbed devotion : through our Lord, &c. 
R. Amen. 

Epistle. Rom. xi. 33. O the depth of the 
riches of the wisdom and of the knowledge of God ! 
How incomprehensible are His Judgments, and 
how unsearchable His Ways ! For who hath known 
the mind of The Lord ? or vvho hath been His 
counsellor ? Or who hath first given to Him ? 
and recompense shall be made him. For of Him, 
and by Him, and in Him are all things. To Him 
be glory forever. Amen. R. Deo gratias. 

Grad. Dan. iii. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, 
Who beholdest the deep and sittest on the cheru- 
bim. V. Blessed art Thou, O Lord, in the firm a- 
nent of Heaven, and worthy of praise forever. 
Alleluia, Alleluia. 

V. Bened ictus es Do- V. Blessed art Thou, 

mine, Deus Patrum nos- O Lord, The God of our 

trorum, et laudabilis in fathers, and worthy of 

ssecula. Alleluia. praise forever. Allel. 

THE PRAYER " MUNDA COR MEUM," BEFORE THE 
GOSPEL. 

Cleanse my heart and my lips, O Almighty 
God, Who didst cleanse the lips- of The Prophet 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



179 



Isaiah with a burning coal ; and vouchsafe, through 
Thy gracious mercy, so to purify me that I may 
worthily attend to Thy Holy Gospel : through 
Christ our Lord. Amen. 

May The Lord be in ray heart and on my lips, 
that I may worthily, and in a becoming manner, 
attend to His Holy Gospel. Amen. 

P. The Lord be with 



Dominus vobis- 
Et cum spiritiL 



cum. 

R. 
tuo. 

F. Sequentia (vel ini- 
tium) sancti Evangelii 
secundum, etc. 

jR. Gloria tihi^ Do- 
inine. 



YOU. 

R. A7id 



ICltJl 



thy 
splint. 

P. The continuation 
(or heginning) of The 
Holy Gospel according 
to, &:c. 

R. Glojy he to Thee^ 
0 Lord. 



GOSPEL — :.IATT. 

In ilio tempore, dixit 
Jesus Discipulis Suis : 
Data est mihi omnis po- 
testas in coelo,et in terra. 
Euntes ergo docete om- 
nes gentes, baptizantes 
eos in nomine Patris, et 
Filii, et Spiritus Sancti ; 
docentes eos servare 
omnia qu^ecumque man- 
davi vobis. Et ecce 
EcTQ vobiscum sum om= 

£3 



XXVIII. 18, 20. 

At that time., Jesus 
said to His Disciples : 
All power is given to 
me in heaven and on 
earth. Go ye, therefore, 
and teach all nations, 
haptizing tliera in the 
name of The Father, and 
of The Son, and of The 
Holy Ghost ; teaching 
them to observe all things 
whatsoever I have com^ 



180 



THE OIIDINARY OF MASS. 



nibus diebus, usque ad 
consummationem ssecu- 
li. 

R, Laus tihi, Christe. 



manded you : and be- 
hold I am with you all 
days, even to the con- 
summation of the world. 

R. Praise he to Thee^ 
O Christ. 



Then say widi the Priest, in a law voice, — 

May our sins be blotted out by the words of the 
Gospel. 

THE NICENE CREED. 



Credo in Unum De- 
um, Patrem Omnipoten- 
tem, Factorem coeli et 
terrse, visibi'.ium omni- 
um et invisibiUum. 

Et in Unum Domi- 
num Jesum Christum, 
Filium Dei Unigenitum 
et ex Patre Natum ante 
omnia ssecula ; Deum 
de Deo, Lumen de Lu- 
mine, Deum Verum de 
Deo Vero ; Genitum non 
Factum, Consubstantia- 
lem Patri, per Quem 
omnia facta sunt. Qui 
propter nos homines, et 
propter nostram salu- 
tem, descendit de coelis ; 
et Incarnatus est de 



I believe in One 
God, The Father Al- 
mighty, Maker of heav- 
en and earth, and of all 
things visible and invis- 
ible. 

And in one Lord Jesus 
Christ, The Only-Begot- 
ten Son of God, and 
born of The Father be- 
fore all ages ; God of 
God, Light of Light, 
True God of True God ; 
Begotten, not made;Con- 
.substantial to The Fa- 
ther, by Whom all things 
were made. Who for 
us men, and for our sal- 
vation, came down from 
heaven ; and became 
Incarnate by The Holy 



THE' ORDINARY OF MASS. 



181 



Spiritu Sancto, ex Maria 
Virgine ; et Homo f ac- 
tus est.^ Crucifixus eti- 
am pro nobis, sub Pon- 
tio Piiato passus, et se- 
pultus est. Et resur rex- 
it tertia die, secundum 
scripturas ; et ascendit 
in coslum : sedet ad 
dexteram Patris ; et ite- 
rum venturus est cum 
gloria, judicare Vivos et 
Mortuos ; cujos regni 
non erit finis. 



Et in Spiritum Sanc- 
tum, Dominum et Vivi- 
ficantem. Qui ex Patre 
Filioque procedit ; Qui 
cum Patre et Filio sirnul 
adoratur, et corrglorifica- 
tur ; qui locutus est per 
Prophetas. Et Unam 
Sanctam Catbolicam et 
Apostolicam Ecclesiam. 
Confiteor Unum Baptis- 
ma in remissionem pec- 
catorum. Et expecto 
Resurrectionem Mortu- 



Gbost of The Virgin 
Mary ; and was made 
Man,^ He was cruci- 
fied also for us, suffered 
under Pontius Pilate, and 
was buried. And the 
third day He rose again 
according to the scrip- 
tures; and ascended into 
heaven, sitteth at the 
right hand of The Fa- 
ther ; and He is to come 
again with glory to judge 
both The Living and 
The Dead ; of whose 
kingdom there shall be 
no end. 

And in The Holy 
Ghost, The Lord and 
Giver of Life, Who pro- 
ceedeth from The Fa- 
ther and The Son; Who, 
together with The Fa- 
ther and The Son, is 
adored and glorified ; 
Who spake by The Pro- 
phets. And One Holy 
Catholic and Apostolic 
Church. I confess one 
Baptism for the remis- 
sion of sins. And 1 ex- 



^ Kneel in reverence of Christ's Incarnation. 
16 



182 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



orum, et Vitam venturi 
sseculi. Amen. 



P. Dominus vobis- 
cum. 

R. Et cum spiritu 
tuo. 

P. Oremus. 

Offert, — Blessed be 
The Only-Begotten Son c 
Holy Ghost, for He has si 



pect The Resurrection 
of The Dead, and The 
Life of the world to 
come. Amen. 

P. The Lord be with 
you. 

R. And icitli iliy 
spirit. 

P. Let us pray. 

God The Father, and 
if God, as likewise The 
lown mercy to us. 



OBLATION OF THE HOST. 



SusciPE, Sancte Pater, 
Omnipotens Sterne De- 
us, banc immaculatam 
Hostiam, quam ego in- 
dignus famulus tuus 
offero Tibi Deo meo 
Vivo et Vero, pro innu- 
merabilibus peccatis, of- 
fensionibus et negligen- 
tiis me is, et pro omnibus 
circumstantibus, sed et 
pro omnibus Fidelibus 
Christianis, Vivis atque 
Defunctis, ut mihi et 
illis proficiat ad salu- 
tem in vitam seternum. 
Amen. 

When the Priest puts the 
Chalice, 



Accept, O Holy Fa- 
ther, Almighty and Eter- 
nal God, this unspotted 
Host, which I, Thy un- 
worthy servant, offer 
unto Thee, my Living 
and True God, for my 
innumerable sins, of- 
fences, and negligences, 
and for all here present, 
as also for all Faithful 
Christians, both Living 
and Dead, that it may 
avail both me and them 
unto life everlasting. 
Amen. 

ne and and water into the 
I says, — 



THE ORDINAHY OF MASS, 



183 



Deus, Qui humanse 
substantise dignitatem 
rnirabiliter condidisti, et 
mirabilius reformasti; 
da nobis per hujus Aquae 
et Vini ]\IysLerium, Ejus 
Divinitatis esse consor- 
tes, qui humanitatis nos- 
tra fieri dignatus est 
particeps, Jesus Christus 
Filius tuus Dominus nos- 
ter, Qui Tecum vivit et 
regnat, in unitate Spiri- 
tus Sancti, Deus, per 
omnia ssecula sasculo- 
rum. Amen. 



O God, Who, in cre- 
ating human nature, hast 
wonderfully dignified it, 
and still more wonder- 
fully reformed it, grant 
that by The Mystery of 
This Water and Wine 
we may be made par- 
takers of His Divine Na- 
ture Who vouchsafed to 
become partaker of our 
human nature, namely^ 
Jesus Christ our Lord, 
Thy Son, Who with 
Thee, in The Unity of, 
&c. Amen. 



OBLATION OF THE CHALICE. 



Offehixus Tibi, Do- 
mine, Calicem Salutaris, 
Tuam deprecantes Cle- 
mentiam, ut in conspec- 
tu Divinse Majestatis 
Tuoe, pro nostra et toti- 
us mundi Salute, cum 
odore suavitatis ascen- 
dat. Amen. 



We offer unto Thee, 
O Lord, The Chalice of 
Salvation, beseeching 
Thy Clemency that it 
may ascend before Thy 
Divine Majesty, as a 
sweet odor, for our sal- 
vation and for that of 
the whole world. Amen. 



When the Priest bows before the Altar, — 

In spiritu humilitatis, Accept us, O Lord 
et in animo contrito in the spirit of humility 
suscipiamur a Te, Domi- and contrition of heart, 



184 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



ne, et sic fiat sacrificium and grant that the sacrl- 
nostrum in Conspectu fice we offer this day 
Tuo hodie, ut placeat in Thy sight may be 
Tibi, Domine Deus. pleasing to Thee, O 

Lord God. 

When he blesses the bread and wine, — 

Veni, sanctificator, Come, O Almighty 
Omni potens Sterne De- and Eternal God, The 
us, et benedic hoc sacri- Sanctifier, and bless this 
ficium tuo sancto nomi- sacrifice, prepared for 
ni preparatum. the glory of Thy Holy 

Name. 

Here, in solemn Masses, he blesses the Incense, saying, — 

' Per intercessionem May The Lord, by the 

Beati Michaelis Archan- intercession of Blessed 

geli stantis a dextris Al- Michael The Archangel 

tari Incensi, et Omnium standing at the right 

Electorum Suorum, in- hand of the Altar of In- 

censum istud dignetur cense, and of all His 

Dominus benedicere, et Elect, vouchsafe to bless 

in odorem suavitatis ac- this Incense, and receive 

cipere. Per Christum it as an odor of sweet- 

Dominum nostrum, etc. ness. Through, &c. 

Amen. Amen. 

At incensing the bread and wine he says, — 

Inconsum istud a Te May this Incense 
benedictum, ascendat ad which Thou hast blessed, 
Te Domine, et descen- O Lord, ascend to Thee, 
dat super nos Misericor- and may Thy Mercy de- 
dia Tua. scend upon us. 

At incensing the Altar he says, Ps. cxl., 2, &c., — 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



185 



Dirigatur, Domine, 
oratio mea sicut irjcen- 
sum, in conspectu tuo : 
elevatio manuum m.ea- 
rum sacrificium vesper- 
tinum. Pone, Domine, 
custodiam ori meo et 
ostium circumstantige 
labiis meis, ut non de- 
clinet cor meum in verba 
malitise, ad excusandas 



Let my prayer, 0 
Lord, be directed as in- 
cense in Thy sight, and 
the lifting up of my 
hands as an evening 
sacrifice. Set a Vv^atch, 
O, Lord, before my 
mouth, and a gate of 
prudence round my hps, 
that my heart may not 
inchne to evil words, to 
make excuses in sin. 



excusationes m peccatis. 

On giving the Censor to the Deacon he says, — 

May The Lord enkindle within us the fire of 
His love and_ the flame of everlasting charity. 
Amen. 

Washing his hands, he says, Ps. xxv. 6, — 
Lavabo inter innocen- 1 will wash my hands 



tes maniis meas, et cir- 
cumdabo Altare Tuum, 
Domine, 

Ut audiam vocem 
laudis, et enarrem Uni- 
versa Mirabilia Tua. 

Domine, dilexi de- 
corem Domus Tuee, et 
locum habitationis Glo- 
rise Tuse. 

Ne perdas cum im- 
piis animam meam, et 
cum viris sanguinum 
vitam meam. 

16* 



among the mnocent, 
and will compass Thy 
Altar, O Lord, 

That I may hear the 
voice of praise, and tell 
all Thy wondrous works. 

I have loved, O Lord, 
the beauty of Thy house, 
and the place where 
Thy Glory dwelleth. 

Take not away my 
soul with the wicked, 
nor my life wiih men of 
blood. 



186 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



In quorum manibus 
iniquitates sunt : dex- 
tera eorum repleta est 
muneribus. 

Ego autem in inno- 
centia mea ingressus 
sum : redime me et mi- 
serere mei. 

Pes me us stetit in di- 
recto : in ecclesiis be- 
nedicam Te, Domine. 

Gloria Patri, et Filio, 
etc. 



In whose hands are 
iniquities : their right 
hand is filled with 
bribes. 

But I haye walked in 
my innocence : redeem 
me, and have mercy on 
me. 

My foot hath stood in 
the direct way : in the 
churches I will bless 
Thee, O Lord. 

Glory be to The Fa- 
ther, &c. 



Bowing in the middle of the Altar, he says, • 



Suscipe, Sancta Tri- 
nitas, banc oblationem, 
quam tibi ofFerimus ob 
memoriam Passionis, 
Resurrectionis, et As- 
censionis Jesu Christi 
Domini nostri, et in ho- 
norem Beatse Marise, 
semper Virginis, et Beati 
Joannis Baptistse, et 
Sanctorum Apostolorum 
Petri et Pauli, et istorum, 
et omnium Sanctorum ; 
ut illis proficiat ad hono- 
rem, nobis autem ad sa- 
lutem ; et illi pro nobis 
intercedere dignentur in 



Receive, O Holy Trin- 
ity, this oblation which 
we make to Thee in 
memory of The Passion, 
Resurrection, and As- 
cension of our Lord 
Jesus Christ, and in hon- 
or of The Blessed Mary, 
ever a Virgin, of Blessed 
John Baptist, The Ploly 
Apostles Peter and Paul, 
and of all The Saints, 
that it may be available 
to their honor and our 
salvation, and that they 
may vouchsafe to inter- 
cede for us in heaven 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



187 



coells, quorum memori- ^vhose memory we cele- 

am agimus in terris. brate on earth. Through 

Per Eumdem, etc. The Same Christ our 

Amen. Lord. Amen. 

Then, turning himself towards the people, he says. — 



. Orate, Fratres, ut 
meum ac vestrum sacri- 
ficium acceptabile fiat 
apud Deum Patrem Om- 
nipotentem. 

R. Suscipiat Domi- 
nus sacrificium de mani- 
hus tuis ad laudem et 
gloriam nominis sui, ad 
utilitatem qiioque nos- 
tram, totiusque Eccle- 
sice Slice, sanctce. 

Secret. Sanctify, we 



Brethren, pray that 
my sacrifice and yours 
mav be acceptable to 
God, The Father Al- 
mighty. 

R, May The Lord re- 
ceive the sacrifice from 
thy hands, to the praise 
and glory of His Own 
Name, and to our lene- 
fit and that of all His 
Holy Church. 

beseech Thee, 0 Lord 
our God, by the invocation of Thy Holy Name, 
the victim of this oblation, and by it make us our- 
selves an eternal offerincr to Thee. Through, &c. 

II. Secret. Graciously hear us, O God our 
Savior, that, by virtue of This Sacrament, Thou 
mayest defend us fi'om all enemies, of both soul 
and body. Grant us grace in this life, and glory in 
the next. 

P. Per omnia sscula P. 

seeculorum. end. 

R. Amen. R. 

P. Dominus vobis- P. 

cum you. 



World without 
Amen. 

The Lord be with 



i 



188 THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



R. Et cum sjpiritu 
tuo. 

p. Sursum corda. 

R, Hahemiis ad Do- 
minum. 

P. Gratias agamus 
Domino Deo nostro. 

R. Dignum et justum 
est. 



R, And with thy 
spirit. 

P, Lift up your 
hearts. 

R. We have lifted 
them up to The Lord. 

P. Let us give thanks 
to The Lord our God. 

R. It is meet and 
just. 



THE PREFACE. 



Vere dignum et jus- 
tum est, sequum et salu- 
tare, nos tibi semper, et 
ubique gratias agere, 
Domine Sancte Pater 
Omnipotens, Sterne 
Deus. 

Qui cum unigenito 
Filio Tuo et Spiritu 
Sancto unus es Deus, 
unus es Dominus : non 
in unius singularitate 
Personse, sed in unius 
Trinitate substantise. 
Quod enim de Tua glo- 
ria, revelante Te,credi- 
mus, hoc de FiHo Tuo, 
hoc de Spiritu Sancto, 
sine difTerentia discre- 



It is truly meet and 
just, right, and available 
to salvation, that we 
should always, and in 
all places, give thanks 
to Thee, O Holy Lord, 
Father Almighty, Eter- 
nal God. 

Who, together with 
Thy Only-Begotten Son 
and The Holy Ghost, art 
. One God and One Lord : 
not in singularity of 
one Person, but in Trin- 
ity of one substance. For 
what we believe of Thy 
Glory, as Thou hast re- 
vealed, the same we be- 
lieve of Thy Son, and 
of The Holy Ghost, 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



189 



tionis sentimus. Ut in 
confessione verse, sem- 
piternasque Deitatis, et 
in Personis proprietas, 
et in essentia unitas, et 
in Majestate adoretur 
sequalitas. Quani lau- 
dant angeli atque arch- 
angeli, cherubim quoque 
ac seraphim ; qui non 
cessant clamare quoti- 
die, una voce dicentes, 
Sanctus, etc. 

Sanctus, Sanctus, 
Sanctus, Dominus Deus 
Sabaoth. Pleni sunt coe- 
li et terra gloria Tua. 
Hosanna in excelsis. 
Benedictus qni venit in 
nomine Domini. Hosan- 
na in excelsis. 



THE CANON 

Te igitur, Clementis- 
sime Pater, per Jesum 
Christum Filium tuum 
Dominum nostrum, sup- 
plices rogamus, ac peti- 
mus, uti accepta habeas, 
et benedicaSa hsec dona, 



without any difference 
or distinction. So that 
in the confession of the 
True and Eternal Deity 
we adore distinction in 
Persons, unity in es- 
sence, and equality in 
Majesty. Whom The 
Angels and Archangels, 
The Cherubim, also, and 
Seraphim praise, and 
cease not daily to cry 
out with one voice, say- 
ing. Holy, &c. 

Holy, Holy, Holy, 
Lord God of Hosts, 
Heaven and earth are 
full of Thy Glory. Ho- 
sanna in the highest. 
Blessed is He that com- 
eth in the name of The 
Lord. Hosanna in the 
highest. 

OF THE MASS. 

We therefore hum- 
bly pray and beseech 
Thee, Most Merciful 
Father, through Jesus 
Christ Thy Son, our 
Lord, that Thou wouldst 
vouchsafe to accept and 



l&O THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



hsec munera, hsec sanc- 
ta, sacrificia illibata, im- 
primis quae tibi offerimus 
pro Ecclesia Tua Sancta 
Catholica, quam pacifi- 
care, custodire, adunare, 
et regere digneris toto 
orbe terrarum ; una cum 
Famulo Tuo Papa nos- 
tro N. et Antistite nostro 
N. et Preside nostro N. 
et omnibus orthodoxis 
atque Cathoiicse et Apos- 
tolicse Fidei cultoribus. 



bless these gifts, these 
presents, these holy, un- 
spotted sacrifices, which 
in the first place we of- 
fer Thee for Thy Holy 
Catholic Church, to 
which vouchsafe to grant 
peace, as also to pre- 
serve, unite, and govern 
it throughout the world ; 
together with Thy Ser- 
vant N. our Pope, N. 
our Bishop, and N. our 
President, as also all or- 
thodox believers and 
professors of The Catho- 
lic and Apostolic Faith. 



COMMEMORATION OF THE LIVING. 



Memento, Domine, 
famulorum famularum- 
que tuarum, N. et N. 

Here he prays silently for 

Et omnium circum- 
stantium, quorum tibi 
fides cognita est, et nota 
devotio, pro quibus tibi 
offerimus, vel qui tibi 
ofFerunt hoc sacrificium 
laudis, ^ro se suisque 
omnibus, pro redemp- 



Be mindful, O Lord, 
of Thy servants, men 
and women, N. and N. 

those he intends to pray for. 

And of all here pres- 
ent, whose Faith and 
devotion are known unto 
Thee, for whom we of- 
fer, or who offer up to 
Thee, this sacrifice of 
praise for themselves, 
their families, and 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



191 



tione animarum sua- 
rurn, pro spe salutis et 
incolumitatis suae, tibi- 
que reddunt vota sua 
JEterno Deo, Vivo et 
Vero. 



Communicantes, et 
memoriam venerantes, 
imprimis gloriosse sem- 
per Yirginis ]\Iari8e, Ge- 
netricis Dei et Domini 
Eostri Jesu Christi, sed 
et Beatorum Apostolo- 
rum ac Martyrum tuo- 
rum, Petri et Pauli, An- 
drese, Jacobi, Joanr>is, 
Thomae, Jacobi, Philip- 
pi, Bartholomsei, ]\Iat- 
thsei, Simonis et Tha- 
dsei, Lini, Cleti, Cle- 
mentis, Xysti, Cornelii, 
Cypriani, Laurentii, 
Chrysogoni, Joannis et 
Pauli, Cosmse et Damia- 
ni, et omnium Sancto- 
rum Tuorum, quorum 
meritis precibusque con- 
cedas, ut in omnibus 
Protectionis TuEe munia- 
mur auxilio. Per Eum- 
dem Christum Doniinum 
nostrum. Amen. 



friends, for the redemp- 
tion of their souls, for 
the health and salvation 
they hope for, and for 
which they now pay 
their vows to Thee, The 
Eternal, Living, and 
True God. 

Communicating with 
and honoring, in the first 
place, the memory of 
The Ever-Glorious Vir- 
gin ^lary, Mother of our 
Lord and God Jesus 
Christ, as also of The 
Blessed Apostles and 
]\Iartyrs, Peter and Paul, 
Andrew, James, John, 
Thomas, James, Philip, 
Bartholomew, Matthew, 
Simon and Thadeus, 
Linus, Cletus, Clement, 
Xystus, Cornelius, Cyp- 
rian, Lawrence, Chry- 
sogonus, John and Paul, 
Cos mas and Damian, 
and of all Thy Saints, 
through whose merits 
and prayers grant that 
we may be always de- 
fended by the help of 
Thy Protection. Thro' 
The Same Christ our 
Lord, Amen. 



192 



THE ORDINARY OF BIASS. 



Spreading his hands over 
Hanc igitur oblatio- 
nem servitutis nostrae, 
seel et cunctse familiag 
Tuae, qusesumus Domif 
ne, ut placatus accipies ; 
diesque nostros in tua 
pace disponas, atque ab 
seterna darnnatione nos 
eripi, et in Electorum 
Tuorum jubeas Grege 
numerari. Per Chris- 
tum Dominum nostrum. 
Amen. 

Quam oblationem Tu 
Deus, in omnibus, qu9S- 
sumus, benedictam, ad- 
scriptam, ratam, ratio- 
nabilem, acceptabilem- 
que facere digneris ; ut 
nobis Corpus et Sanguis 
fiat Dilectissimi Filii 
tui Domini nostri Jesu 
Christi. 

Qui pridie quam pate 
retur, accepit panem in 
sanctas ac venerabiles 
manus suas, et elevatis 
oculis in coslum, ad Te 
Deum Pat rem Suum 
Omnipotentem,Tibi gra- 
tias agrens, benedixit, 
fregit, dsditque discipu» 



the Oblation, he says, — 

We therefore beseech 
Thee, O Lord, gracious- 
ly to accept this oblation 
of our servitude, as also 
of Thy whole family ; 
and, to dispose our days 
in Thy peace, preserve 
us from eternal damna- 
tion, and rank us in the 
number of Thine Elect. 
Through Christ our 
Lord. Amen. 

Which oblation do 
Thou, O God, vouchsafe 
in all respects to bless, 
approve, ratify, and ac- 
cept, that it may be 
made for us The Body 
and Blood of Thy Most 
Beloved Son Jesus Christ 
our Lord. 

Who, the day before 
He suffered, took bread 
into His Holy and Ven- 
erable Hands, and with 
His eyes lifted up to- 
wards Heaven, giving 
thanks to Thee, Al- 
mighty God, His Father, 
He blessed it, brake it, 



THE OHDINARY OF PJASS. 



193 



lis siiis, dicens : Ac- and gave it to His Dis- 

cipite et manducate ex ciples, saying : Take 

hoc omnes, Hoc est eniiii and eat ye all of this. 

Corpus Meum, For this is My Body. 

After pronouncing the words of Consecration, the Priest, 
kneeling, adores and elevates the sacred Host. 

Simili modo, post- In like manner, after 
quam coenatum est, ac- He had supped, taking 



cipiens et hunc prsecla- 
rum calicem in Sanctas 
ac Yenera biles Man us 
suas, item tibi gratias 
agens benedixit, dedit- 
que Discipulis suis di- 
cens : Accipite et bibite 
ex eo omnes: Hie est e- 
ni?n calix Sanguinis Mei 
Novi et Eterni Testa- 
mentis Mysterium Fidel, 
qui pro vohis etpro jmd- 
tis^ effundetur in remis- 
sionem peccatorum. 

Hsec quotiescumque 
feceritis, in Mei memo- 
riam facietis. 



also this excellent chal- 
ice into His Holy and 
venerable hands, giving 
Thee also thanks, He 
blessed, and gave it to 
His Disciples, saying: 
Take and drink ye all 
of this : For this is The 
Chalice of My Blood of 
The New and Eternal 
Testa7nent, The Mystery 
of Faith ^ which shall 
he shed for you, and for 
many, to the remission 
of sins. 

As often as ye do 
these things, ye shall 
do them in remembrance 
of Me. 

Here also, kneeling, he adores and elevates the Chalice. 



Unde et memores, 
Domine, nos servi tui, 
sed et plebs tua sancta, 
ejustem Christi Filii tui 
17 



Wherefore, O Lord, 
we Thy servants, as also 
Thy holy people, calling 
to "^mind The Blessed 



194 



THE ORmNARY OF MASS. 



Domini nostri tarn Bea- 
tse Passionis, necnon et 
ab inferis Resurrectio- 
nis, sed et in coelos Glo- 
riosse Ascensionis, offeri- 
mus Prseclarae Majestati 
Tuse, de tuis donis ac 
datis, Hostiam Puram, 
Hostiam Sanctam, Hos- 
tiam Immaculatam, Pa- 
nem Sanctum Vitse 
ternse, et Calicem Salu- 
tis Perpetuse. 

Supra quse propitio 
ac sereno vultu respi- 
cere digneris, et accepta 
habere, sicuti accepta 
habere dignatus es mu- 
nera pueri Tui Justi 
Abel, et sacrificium Pa- 
triarchse nostri Abrahse, 
et quod tibi obtulit Sum- 
mus Sacerdos Tuus 
Melchisedech, sanctum 
sacrificium, immacula- 
tam Hostiam. 



Supplices Te roga- 
mus, Omnipotens Deus, 
jube hsec prseferri per 
manus Sancti An gel i 



Passion of The Same 
Christ, Thy Son, our 
Lord, His Resurrection 
from the Dead and Ad- 
mirable Ascension into 
Heaven, offer unto Thy 
Most Excellent Majesty 
of Thy Gifts bestowed 
upon us A Pure Host, 
A Holy Host, An Un- 
spotted Host, The Holy 
Bread of Eternal Life, 
and Chalice of Ever- 
lasting Salvation. 

Upon which vouch- 
safe to look with a 
propitious and serene 
countenance, and to ac- 
cept them as Thou wert 
graciously pleased to 
accept the gifts of Thy 
Just Servant Abel, and 
the sacrifice of our Pa- 
triarch Abraham, and 
that which Thy High 
Priest Melchisedech of- 
fered to Thee, A Holy 
Sacrifice and Unspotted 
Victim. 

We most humbly be- 
seech Thee, Almighty 
God, to command these 
gifts to be carried by 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



195 



Tui in Sublime Altare 
Tuum, in conspectu Di- 
vinse Majestatis Tu^ ut 
quotquot ex hac alta- 
ris participatione sacro 
Sanctum Filii tui Corpus 
et Sanguinem sumpsei i- 
mus, omni beneclictione 
coelesti et gratia reple- 
amur. Per Eumdern 
Christum Dominum nos- 
trum. Amen. 



the hands of Thy Holy 
Angels to Thy Altar on 
high, in the sight of Thy 
Divine Majesty, that as 
rndLUj as shall partake 
of The Most Sacred 
Body and Blood of Thy 
Son at this altar may be 
filled with every heav- 
enly grace and bless 
ing. Through The 
Same Cl'irist our Lord. 
Amen. 



COMMEMORATION OF THE DEAD. 

Memento etiam, Do- Be mindful, O Lord, 
mine, Famulorum Fa- of Thy Servants N. and 
mularumque TuarumN. N., who are gone before 
et N., qui nos prseces- us ^dth the sign of Faith 
serunt cum signo Fidei and rest in the sleep of 
et dormiunt in somno peace, 
pacis. 

Here particular mention is silently made of such of the 
Dead as are to be prayed for. 

Ipsis, Domine, et om- To these, O Lord, 

nibus in Christo quies- and to all that sleep in 

centibus, locum refri- Christ, grant, we be- 

gerii, lucis et pacis, ut seech Thee, a place of 

indulgeas deprecamur : refreshment, light, and 

per Eumdem Christum peace : through The 

Dominum nostrum. A- Same Christ our Lord, 

raen. Amen. 



196 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



Here, striking his brej 
Nobis quoque pecca- 
toribus famulis tuis, de 
multitudine Miseratio- 
num Tuarum speranti- 
bus, partem aliquam et 
societatem donare dig- 
neris, cum Tuis Sanctis 
Apostolis et Martyribus ; 
cum Joanne, Stephano, 
Matthia, Barnaba, Ig- 
natio, Alexandre, Mar- 
cellino, Petro, Felicitate, 
Perpetua, Agatha, Lucia, 
Agnete, Ceecilia, Anas- 
tasia, et omnibus Sanc- 
tis Tuis ; intra quorum 
nos consortium, non ses- 
timator meriti, sed ve- 
niae qusesumus Largitor 
admitte. Per Christum 
Dominum nostrum. 

Per Quern hsec om- 
nia, Domine, semper * 
bona creas, sanctificas, 
vivificas, benedicis, et 
prsestas nobis. Per Ip- 
sum, et cum Ipso, et 
in Ipso, est Tibi Deo 
Patri Omnipotenti, in 
unitate Spiritus Sancti, 
omnis honor et gloria. 



St, The Priest says, ~ 

Also to us sinners, 
Thy servants, confiding 
in the multitude of Thy 
Mercies, vouchsafe to 
grant some part and fel- 
lowship with Thy Holy 
Aposdes and Martyrs ; 
with John, Stephen, 
Matthias, Barnabas, Ig- 
natius, Alexander, Mar- 
celline, Peter, Felicitas, 
Perpetua, Agatha, Lucy, 
Agnes, Cecily, Anas- 
tasia, and whh all Thy 
Saints ; into whose com- 
pany we beseech Thee 
to admit us, not in con- 
sideration of our merit, 
but of Thy own gratui- 
tous pardon. Through 
Christ our Lord. 

By Whom, O Lord, 
Thou dost always create, 
sanctify, quicken, bless, 
and give us all these 
good things. By Him, 
and with Him, and in 
Him, is to Thee, God 
The Father Almighty, 
in the unity of The Holy 
Ghost, all honor and 
glory. 



THE ORDIXARY OF MASS. 



197 



. P. Per omnia seecula 
sseciilorum. R. Amen. 

0 REMUS. 

pR^CEPTis salutari- 
biis moniti, et divina in- 
stitutione formati, aude- 
mus dicere, — 

Pater noster, Qui es 
in coelis, sanctificetur 
No men Tuum. ; adveniat 
Re gn u m T u ii m ; fi at Yo - 
luntas Tua sicut in cce- 
lo, et in terra ; panem 
nostrum quotidianum da 
nobis hodie ; et dimitte 
nobis debita nostra sicut 
et nos dimittimus debi- 
toribus nostris ; et ne 
nos inducas in tentatio- 
nem. 

R. Sed lioera nos a 
malo. 

P. Amen. 

Libera nos, qusesu- 
mus, Domine, ab omni- 
bus malis, prEeteritis, 
prtesentibus, et futuris, 
et Intercedente Beata 
et Gloriosa semper Vir- 
gine Dei Genetrice Ma- 
17-* 



P. Forever and ever. 
R. Ainen. 

LET US PRAY. 

b>STRucTED by Thy 
Saving Precepts, and 
following Thy Divine 
Directions, we presume 
to say,— 

Our Father, Who art 
in Heaven, hallowed be 
Thy Name ; Thy King- 
dom come ; Thy Will 
be done on earth as it 
is in Heaven ; give us 
this day our daily bread ; 
and forgive us our tres- 
passes, as we forgive 
them that trespass 
against us ; and lead us 
not into temptation. 

R, But deliver us 
from evil. 
P. Amen. 

Deliver us, we be- 
seech Thee, O Lord, 
from all evils, past, pres- 
ent, and to come, and, 
b3/ the intercession of 
The Blessed and Ever- 
Glorious Virgin Mary^ 



198 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



ria, cum Beatis Aposto- 
lis tuis Petro et Paulo, 
atque Andrea, et omni- 
bus Sanctis, da propitius 
pacem in diebus nostris, 
ut ope Misericordise 
Tu3e adjuti, et a peccato 
simus semper liberi, et 
ab omni perturbatione 
securi. Per Eumdem 
Dominum nostrum Je- 
sum Christum Filium 
tuum. Qui tecum vivit 
et regnat, in unitate 
Spiritus Sancti Deus, 

P. Per omnia saecula 
saeculorum-. 
R, Amen. 

F. Pax Domine sit 
semper vbbiscum. 

R, Et cum spiritu 
tuo. 



Mother of God, and 
of The Holy Apostles 
Peter and Paul, and of 
Andrew, and of all The 
Saints, mercifully grant 
peace in our days, that, 
through the assistance of 
Thy Mercy, we may be 
always free from sin and 
secure from all disturb- 
ance. Through The 
Same Jesus Christ Thy 
Son, our Lord, Who, with 
Tliee and The Holy 
Ghost, liveth and reign- 
eth, God. 

P. World without end. 



R. Amen, 

P. The peace of The 
Lord be always with you. 

R, And with thy 
spirit. 

Breaking The Host, he puts a particle thereof into The 
Chalice, saving, — 

May this mixture and consecration of The Body 
and Blood of our Lord Jesus Christ be to us, that 
receive it, effectual to eternal life. Amen. 

Then, bowing and striking his breast, he says, — 

Agnus Dei, Qui tol- Lamb of God, Who 
lis peccata mundi, mise- takest away the sins of 
rere nobis. the world, have mercy 

on us. 



THE ORDINARY OF 3IASS. 



199 



Agnus Dei, Qui toUis 
peccata mundi, mise- 
rere nobis. 

Agnus Dei, Qui tollis 
peccata mundi. dona 
nobis pacem. 

In Masses for the Dead, he 
and lastly, Give 

The following prayer is 

Da3iiNE Jesu Christe, 
Qui dixisti Apostolis 
Tuis, pacem relinquo 
vobis, pacem meam do 
vobis, ne respi-cias pec- 
cata mea, sed Fidem 
Ecclesiee Tus, eamque 
secundum voluntatem 
tuam pacificare et coa- 
dunare digneris ; Qui 
vivis et regnas Deus, per 
omnia ssecula Sfsculo- 
rum. Amen. 

Domine Jesu Christe, 
Fili Dei Yivi, Qui ex 
voluntate Patris, coope- 
rante Spiritu Sancto, 
per jlortem Tuam mun- 
dum viviticasti, libera 
me per Hoc Sacro-Sanc- 
tum Corpus et Sangui- 



Lamb of God, Who 
takest away the sins of 
the world, have mercy 
on us. 

Lamb of God, Who 
takest away the sins of 
the world, give us 
peace. 

says, twice, Give them rest; 
them eternal rest 

then also omitted: — 

Lord Jesus Christ, 
Who saidst to Thy 
Apostles, I leave you 
peace, I give you my 
peace, regard not my 
sins, but the Faith of 
Thy Church ; and grant 
her that peace and unity 
which is agreeable to 
Thy Will ; Who livest 
and reignest forever and 
ever. Amen. 

Lord Jesus Christ, Son 
of The Living God, 
W^ho, according to the 
will of Thy Father, hast 
by Thy Death, through 
the cooperation of The 
Holy Ghost, given life 
to the v/orld, deliver me 



200 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



nem Tuum ab omnibus 
iniquitatibus meis, et 
universis malis ; et fac 
me Tuis semper inhse- 
rere Mandatis, et a Te 
nunquam separari per- 
mittas; Qui cum Eodem 
Deo Patre et Spiritu 
Sancto vivis et regnas 
Deus in ssecula ssecu- 
lorum. Amen. 

Perceptio Corporis 
Tui, Domine Jesu Chris- 
te, quod ego indignus 
sumere praesumo, non 
mihi proveniat in judi- 
cium et condemnatio- 
nem ; sed pro Tua Pie- 
tate prosit mihi ad tuta- 
mentum mentis et cor- 
poris, et ad medelam 
percipiendam ; Qui vi- 
vis et regnas cum Deo 
Patre in unitate Spiritus 
Sancti, Deus, per om- 
nia ssecula sseculorum. 
Amen. 



by this Thy Most Sacred 
Body and Blood from 
all my iniquities and 
from all evils, and make 
me always adhere to 
Thy Commandments, 
and never suffer me to 
be separated from Thee ; 
. Who livest and reignest 
vi^ith God The Father, 
&c. Amen. 

Let not the participa- 
tion of Thy Body, O 
Lord Jesus Christ, which 
I, though unworthy, pre- 
sume to receive, turn to 
my judgment and con- 
demnation ; but, through 
Thy Mercy, may it be a 
safeguard and remedy 
both to soul and body ; 
Who, with God The Fa- 
ther, in the unity of 
The Holy Ghost, livest 
and reignest, God, for- 
ever and ever. Amen. 



Taking the Host in his hands, he says, — 
Panem coelestem ac- I will take the bread 
cipiam, et nomen Do- of Heaven, and call upon 
mini invocabo. The Name of our Lord*^ 

Striking his breast with humility and devotion, he says, 
thrice, — 



THE 0RDI>:AKY of 3IASS. 



201 



Domine. non >nm dig- Lord, I am not Vv-orthy 

nus lit intres snb tectum that Thou shouldst enter 

meum : sed tantum die, under my roof: say but 

verbo et sanabitur ani- the word, and my soul 

ma mea. shall be healed 

Keceiving rererenrly both parts of The Host, he savs. — 

Corpus Domini nostri May The Body of our 

Jesu Christi custodiat Lord Jesus Christ pre- 

animam meam in vitam serve my soul to life 

eeternam. Amen. everlasting. Amen. 

Takinc: the Chalice, he says,^ — 

Quid retribuam Do- What return shall I 

mino pro omnibus quee make The Lord for all 

retribuit mihi Calicem He has given to me r I 

salutaris accipiam, et will take the Chalice of 

nomen Domini invoca- salvation and call upon 

bo. Laudans invocabo the Xame of The Lord. 

Dominum, et ab inimi- Praising, I will call upon 

cis meis salvus ero. The Lord, and I shall be 

saved from my enemies. 

Eeceiviug The Blood of our Savior, he says. — 

Sanguis Domini nos- May The Blood of 

tri Jesu Christi custodiat our Lord Jesus Christ 

animam meam in vitam preserve my soul to 

seternam. x\men. everlasting life. Amen. 

Taking the first Ablation, he says. — 

Quod ore sumpsimus, Grant, O Lord, that 
Domine, puramente ca- what 'we have taken 
piarnus, at de munere with our mouth we may 



202 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



temporali fiat nobis re- receive with a pure 
medium sempiternurn. mind, that of a temporal 

gift it may become to 
us an eternal remedy. 

Taking the second Ablution, he says, — 

Corpus tuum, Domi- May Thy Body, O 

ne. quod sumpsi, et san- Lord, which I have re- 

guis quem potavi, ad- ceived, and Thy Blood 

hsereat visceribus meis ; which I have drank, 

et prsesta ut in me non cleave to my bowels ; 

remaneat scelerum ma- and grant that no stain 

cula, quem pura et sane- of sin may remain in 

ta refecerunt sacra men- me, who have been fed 

ta. Qui vivis et regnas with this pure and holy 

in ssecula sssculorum. sacrament. ^ Who livest, 

Amen. &c. 

Comm. We bless The God of Heaven, and we 
will praise Him in the sight of all the living, be- 
cause He hath shown us His mercy. 

P. Do minus vobis- P. The Lord be with 

cum. you. 

R. Et cimi spiritii R. And with thy 

tuo, spirit, 

P. Oremus. P. Let us pray. 

P. Comm. Prof ciat. May the receiving of 
This Sacrament, O Lord our God, avail us to the 
salvation of bod}^ and soul, together with the con- 
fession of An Everlasting Holy Trinity, and of The 
Undivided Unity thereof. Through, &c. 

IL P. Comm. Mundet. May the oblation of 



THE ORDINARY OF XASS. 



203 



this Divine vSacramem. we beseech Thee. 0 Lord, 
both cleanse and defend ns, and by the interces- 
sion of The Blessed Mary, The Virgin Mother of 
God, of The Blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, of 
Blessed N., and of all The Saints, free us from all 
sin and deliver us from all adversity. 

After the Post Comm. is sometimes added the prayer, 
" Et famulos^' &c. 

Defend, also, O Lord, from all adversity Thy 
Servant X. our Pope, X. our Bishop, X. our 
President, together with the people and army com- 
mitted to his care : grant peace in our days, and 
banish all wickedness from Thv Church. Through, 
<kc. 

P. Dominus vobis- P. The Lord be v>-ith 
cum. you. 

R. Et cum spiritii R. And icith thy 
tuo. spirit. 

P. Ite Missa est. P. Go : Mass is fin- 

ished. 

jR. Deo gratias, R. Thanks he to God, 

In Masses for the Dead. 

P. Requiescant in P. Ma^/ they rest in 
pace. peace. 

R. Amen. R. Amen. 

Bowing before the Altar, the Priest sars, — 

Placeat Tibi, Sancta Let the performance 

Trinitas, obsequium ser- of my homage be pieas- 

vitutis mese ; et proesta, ing to Thee, O Holy 

ut sacrificium quod oc- Trinity, and grant that 

ulis Tus8 Majestatis the sacrifice which I, 



204 THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



indignus obtuli, Tibi sit 
acceptabile, mihique, et 
omnibus pro quibus illud 
obtuli, sit, Te Miserante, 
propitiabile. Per Chris- 
tum Dominum nostrum. 
Amen. 



though unworthy, have 
offered up in the sight 
of Thy Majesty, may 
be acceptable to Thee, 
and through Thy Mercy 
be a propitiation for me 
and all those for whom 
it has been offered. 
Through, &c. 



Turning himself towards the people, he gives them the 
blessing, saying, — 



Benedicat vos, Omni- 
potens Deus-]-Pater, et 
Filius, et Spiritus Sanc- 
tus. 

R. Amen. 

P. Dominus vobis- 
cum. 

R. Et cum spiritu 
tuo. 

P. Initium Sancti 
Evangelii secundum Jo- 
annem. 

R, Gloria TiU, Do- 
mine. 

In principio erat Ver- 
bum, et Verbum erat 
apud Deum, et Deus 
erat Verbum. Hoc erat 
in principio apud Deum. 
Omnia per Ipsum facta 
sunt, et sine Ipso factum 



May Almighty God,-[- 
The Father, Son, and 
Holy Ghost, bless you. 



Amen. 

Our Lord be with 



R, 
P. 

you. 

R. And with thy 
spirit. 

P. The beginning of 
The Gospel according to 
St. John. 

R. Glory be to Thee, 
O Lord. 

In the beginning was 
The Word, and The 
Word was with God, 
and The Word was God. 
The same was in the 
beginning with God. 
All things were made 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



205 



est nihil, quod factum 
est. In Ipso vita erat, et 
vita erat lux hominum ; 
et lux in tenebris lucet, 
et tenebrpe earn non 
comprehenderunt. 



Fuit homo missus a 
Deo cui nomen erat 
Joannes. Hie venit in 
testimonium, ut testi- 
monium perhiberet de 
Lumine, ut omnes cre- 
derent per ilium. Non 
erat ille lux, sed ut testi- 
monium perhiberet de 
Lumiine. Erat Lux Vera, 
Qua3 illuminat omnem 
hominem venienicm in 
hunc mundum. 

In mundo erat, et 
mundus per Ipsum fac- 
tus est, et mundus Eum 
non cognovit. In propria 
venit, et sui Eum non 
receperunt. Quotquot 
autem receperunt Eum, 
dedit eis potestatem fili- 
os Dei fieri ; his qui 
credunt in nomine Ejus, 
18 



by Him, and without 
Him v/as made nothing 
that was made. In Him 
vras life, and the life 
was the light of men ; 
and the light shineth in 
darkness, and the dark- 
ness did not comprehend 
it. 

There was a man sent 
from God whose name 
was John. This man 
came for a wutness, to 
give testimony of the 
Light, that all men might 
believe through him. 
He was not The Light, 
but was to give testi- 
mony of The Light. 
That was The True 
Light, which enlighten- 
eth eveiy man that com- 
eth into this world. 

He was in the world, 
and the v/orld was made 
by him, and the world 
knew Him not. He 
came unto His own, and 
His own received Him 
not. But as many as 
received Him, to them 
He gave power to be 
made the sons of God ; 



THE ORDINARY OF MASS. 



206 

qui non ex sanguinibus, 
neque ex voluntate car- 
nis, neque ex voluntate 
viri, sed ex Deo nati 
sunt. Et Verhwn Caro 
Factum est, et habitavit 
in nobis ; et vidimus 
gloriam Ejus, gloriam 
quasi Unigeniti a Patre, 
Plenum gratise et veri- 
tatis. 



R, Deo Gratias, 



to them that believe in 
His Name ; who are 
born, not of blood, nor 
of the will of the flesh, 
nor of the will of man, 
but of God. And The 
Word was inade fleshy 
and dwelt among us ; 
and we saw His glory, 
as it were the glory of 
The Only-Begotten of 
The Father, full of 
grace and truth. 

jR. Thanks he to God, 



THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



" He was offered, because it was His own will.'* — 
Isaiah liii. 7. 

INTRODUCTION. 

The Stations of The Cross mean a devotion in 
memory of The Passion of our Beloved Lord 
while He passed over the ground leading from 
Pontius Pilate's Hall, where He was condemned, 
to the top of Mount Calvary, where He finally ex- 
pired. 

According to tradition, The Blessed Virgin Mary 
is said to have been the first to set the example of 
this devotion. " During her latter years," says 
St. Andrew of Crete, she used to frequent those 
places where her Divine Son had been loaded with 
contumely and nailed to The Cross." The first 
Christians, even those who lived at a great distance 
from Jerusalem, were naturally desirous to visit 
the place where such mysteries had been accom- 
plished, and to learn from eye witnesses every cir- 
cumstance of their Lord's Agony, thereby, to nour- 
ish their own and their children's piety with the 
knowledge of the most important events that had 
ever taken place. 

From that time a pilgrimage to Calvary became 
the favorite devotion of The Faithful. Even dur- 

(207) 



208 THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



ing the sanguinary persecutions which, raged for 
the first three centuries, illustrious pilgrims, such 
as St. Alexander, St. Ephrem, and St. Eustachius, 
were seen in crowds at The Holy Sepulchre. 
Numerous as were the pilgrims who undertook the 
painful and often dangerous expedition to the Holy 
Land, yet there were many thousands who devoutly 
sighed for a privilege their circumstances did not 
allow them to enjoy. Deprived, then, of the chance 
of ever seeing the Holy Places in reality, they 
wished to behold, at least, the representation of 
them ; and thus, without quitting their country, to 
honor their Lord's Passion by commemorating its 
mysteries in the same way as they would have done 
on the very soil where those mysteries were accom- 
phshed. The Order of St. Francis, to which St. 
Lewis had given The Holy Sepulchre in charge, and 
the members of which conducted The Stations of the 
Pilgrims on their arrival in Jerusalem, gave much 
encouragement to this devout practice. They 
erected Calvaries in various places, ornamented 
them with pictures representing the principal 
scenes of our Lord's last painful journey, and 
summoned The Faithful to crowd about them, to 
listen to and meditate on the recital of the sad 
tragedy. 

Such the origin of The Stations of The Cross. 
Wherever this exercise was introduced Faith was 
seen to revive, morals to improve, and the Love 
of Jesus Christ to be rekindled in the soul. May 
the same happy effects be produced at the present 
time also, wherever the devotion is practised. ^ 



THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



The Stations begin by placing ourselves on our knees 
before The Blessed Sacrament, calling to mind with a 
lively Faith the moment in which our Savior, having been 
blasphemed at the house of Caiphas and derided at the 
house of Herod, is expecting to receive the sentence of 
death in the court of Pilate. Then, stationing ourselves 
in spirit at His Sacred Eeet, we should make an Act of 
Contrition for our sins, and offer to Him the devotion we 
are about to perform, in honor and commemoration of His 
Most Bitter Sufferings and Agony, and for the ends ex- 
pressed in the Act of Oblation. 

18 (209) 



210 



THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



AN ACT OF CONTRITION. 

O my God, I am heartily sorry for all my sins : 
I detest them most sincerely, and humbly beg par- 
don for them. I am filled with grief and confusion 
for having offended Thee, because Thou art in- 
finitely good and infinitely amiable, and because 
sin is most displeasing in Thy sight. And, by the 
assistance of Thy Holy Grace, I am firmly resolved 
nevermore to relapse into mortal sin, and to avoid 
all occasions of sin to the end of my life. Amen, 

AN ACT OF OBLATION. 

Vouchsafe, O Lord Jesus Christ, to accept this 
exercise of The Stations of The Cross which we 
are about devoutly to perform. We offer it to Thy 
Sovereign Majesty in honor and in memory of Thy 
Most Painful Sufferings and Death ; for the relief 
of the souls in Purgatory ; for the peace of Thy 
Holy Church ; for our friends and enemies ; that 
we may all obtain the- pardon of our sins, the re- 
mission of the punishment which they deserve, and 
the grace of final perseverance. These favors we 
implore of Thee, Beloved Jesus, Who livest and 
reignest, God, world without end. Amen, 

V, O Lord, open Thou my lips: 
R, And my mouth shall declare Thy praise, 
V. O God, incline unto mine aid : 
jR. O Lord^ make haste to keep me, 
V, Glory be to The Father, and to The Son, 
and to The Holy Ghost : 



THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 211 

R. As it was in the beginnings is now, and ever 
shall be^ world loithout end. Amen. 

While the Priest and his attendants proceed to the first 
station, the ch.oir chants, — 

1. 

Stabat Mater Dolorosa, 
Juxta crucem Lacrymosa, 
Dum pedebat Filius. 

1. 

Near The Cross, in bitter anguisb, 
Doomed to see Him weep and languish, 
Mary stood while Jesus hung. 

Having come to 

THE FIRST STATION, 

The Priest and his attendants genuflect, saying, — 

V. We adore and bless Thee, O Lord Jesus 
Christ : 

R. Because by Thy Holy Cross and Passion 
Thou hast redeemed the world. 

N. B. — This versicle and response are said before each 
station. 

THE MEDITATION. 

Jesus is condemned to death. 

Let us contemplate, how, leaving the house of 
Caiphas, where He had been blasphemed, and the 
house of Herod, where He had been treated as a 
fool, Jesus is brought before Pilate, where His 



212 THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



back is torn with scourges, His head crowned with 
thorns, and He, Who, on the last day, will judge 
The Living and The Dead, is Himself condemned 
to an ignominious death. 

LET us PRAY. 

Dearest Savior, it was our sins that condemned 
Thee. It was to save us from eternal punishment 
that Thou didst choose to die upon The Cross. 
O, by Thy inconceivable Love for us, grant that 
our journey to death may, by Thy Merits, be ren- 
dered safe ; for such was Thy Divine Motive in 
submitting to the pilgrimage which Thou didst 
here begin towards Calvary. 

Here the Priest says The Act of Contrition, p. 210 ; after 
which, Our Father^ ^c, Hail Mary^ ^c, and Glory he to The 
Father J Sfc.^ as on p. 210 ; then 

F. Have mercy on us, O Lord : 
jR. Have mercy on us. 

F. May the souls of The Fahhful departed, 
through the mercy of God, rest in peace : 
R. Amen. 

Proceeding to the second station, the choir chants, — 
2. 

Cujus animam gementem, 
Contristatam et dolentem, 
Pertransivit gladius. 

2. 

Her soul, transfixed with sword of sorrow. 
No relief from tears could borrow ; 
But in agony was wrung. 



THE STATIOxN'S OF THE CROSS. 213 



THE SECOND STATIOX. 
V. We adore, &c. jR. Because, ^-c, 

THE BIEDITATION. 

Jesus has The Cross laid upon His shoulders. 

Let us contemplate, how, The Heavy Cross is 
laid upon the bruised shoulders of Jesus Christ. 
He receives it with resignation ; He carries it with 
unspeakable love ; for it is the instrument by which 
He is to redeem the world. 

LET us PRAY. 

Beloved Jesus, grant us, by virtue of Thy Cross, 
a loving and generous heart like Thine, and cause 
us to embrace with courage the difficulties of our 
state, and to esteem and sanctify all the crosses 
which, in submission to Thy Divine Will, we are 
obliged to bear. 

- The Act of Contrition, &c,, as on p. 210. 

Proceeding to the next station, the choir chants, — 

3. 

O, quam tristis et afflicta, 
Fuit Ilia benedicta. 
Mater Unigeniti ! 

3. 

O, how sad and sore distressed 
Now was she, that Mother Blessed, 
Of The Sole-Begotten One ! 



214 THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



THE THIHD STATION. 
V, We adore, &c. R. Because, ^c. 

THE MEDITATION. 

Jesus falls the first time under The Cross, 

Let us contemplate, how, bowed down by the 
weight of Flis Cross, Jesus advances amidst an in- 
furiated rabble, whose insolent taunts serve only to 
inflame His Love. Bat as the blood trickles from 
His wounds His strength fails H^im, and He sinks 
exhausted on the ground. 

LET US PRAY. 

Adorable Jesus, Thou didst fall under the load 
of Thy Cross to expiate our sinful falls. By the 
merhs of that painful fall, may we obtain grace 
never again to relapse into mortal sin. 

The Act of Contrition, &c., as on p. 210. 
Proceeding to tiie fourth station, the choir chants, — 

4. 

Quse mcerebat et dolebat, 
Pia Mater dum vide bat, 
Nati pcenas incliti. 

4. 

Wo-begone with heart's prostration, 
Mother Meek, The Bitter Passion 
Saw She of Her Glorious Son. 



THE STATIONS OF THE CFtOSS. 



215 



THE FOUHTH STATION. 
V. We adore, <kc. R. Because, &fc, 

THE MEDITATION. 

Jesus is raet ly His Blessed Mother, 

Let us contemplate, that, as an affectionate 
mother would not absent herself during the suffer- 
ings of a beloved child, neither would Mary be 
away while Jesus was in anguish. But what must 
have been the feelings of both The Mother and 
The Son, when they m.et each other on the way to 
Calvary I 

LET US PRAY. 

O Tender-hearted Jesus, b}^ the compassion which 
Thou didst then feel for Thy Blessed Mother, give 
us grace to have a true devotion towards Thee and 
Her. And Thou, Most Afflicted Mother, obtain for 
us the favor of sympathizing with Thee in the suf- 
ferings of Thy Son, theit thus we may be rendered 
w^orthy to participate in His Sacred Merits. 

The Act of Condition, &c., as on p 210. 
ProceediDg to the fifth station, the choir chants, — 

5. 

Quis est homo, qui non fleret, 
Matrem Christi, si videret, 
In tanto supplicio ? 

5. 

Who on Christ's Fond I\Iother looking, 
Such extrem.e affliction brooking. 

Born of w^oman, would not weep ? 



316 THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



THE FIFTH STATION. 
V. We adore, &;c. R. Because, 8fc, 

THE MEDITATION. 

Jesus is assisted in carrying His Cross hy Simon 
of Cyrene. 

Let us contemplate, that, afraid lest the weakness 
of their victim should prevent Him from under- 
going all that in their cruelty they had intended, 
the executioners of Jesus give Him some relief. 
They compel Simon of Cyrene to assist Him in 
carrying His Cross; but the virtue of The Cross 
changes his heart, and from a compulsory task it 
becomes a delightful occupation. 

LET US PRAY. 

O Holy Jesus, may the place of that stranger be 
ours. We will never refuse Thy Cross. What- 
ever sufferings Thou dost design for us we will 
accept in submission to Thy Divine Will, and bear 
them cheerfully in obedience to Thy Justice. 

The Act of Contrition, &c., as on p. 210. 

Passing on to the sixth station, the choir chants, — 

6. 

Quis non posset contristari, 
Christi Matrem contemplari, 
Dolentem cum Filio ? 

6. 

Who on Christ's Fond Mother thinking, 



THE STATIONS OF TEE CROSS. 



217 



With Her Son in sorrow sinking, 

Would not share Her sorrow deep ? 

THE SIXTH STATION. 
V, We adore, &c. R. Because^ ^*c. 

THE MEDITATION. 

A pious icoman wipes with a veil the face of Jesus, 

Let us contemplate, that, as Jesus proceeds along, 
covered with the sweat of death, a woman, moved 
with compassion, makes her way through the crowd 
of soldiers and wipes His face. In reward for her 
piety, the impression of His Divine Countenance 
is left upon the veil. 

LET us PRAY. 

O Thou, the most comely amongst the sons of 
men, behold, in the state to which Thy mangled 
Body is reduced, an image of what our souls, 
formed to Thy resemblance and adorned with Thy 
especial graces, have been made by sin. Purify 
them, O God, from their filthy stains ; restore them 
to their lost beauty ; .and let Thy Divine Image 
again be seen upon them. 

The Act of Contrition, &c., as on p. 210. 

Passing on to the seventh station, the choir chants, — 

7. 

Pro peccatis suae gentis^ 
19 



218 THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



Vidit Jesum in tormentis, 
Et flagellis subditum. 

7. 

For His people's sins rejected, 
She Her Jesus unprotected 

Saw with" thorns, with scourges rent. 

THE SEYEXTH STATION. 
V, We adore, &c. R. Because, cf-c. 

THE MEDITATION. 

Jesus falls under The Cross a second time. 

Let us contemplate, that, as Jesus proceeds, the 
blood still flowing from Him, His anguish and 
pains increase at every step. Again He falls to 
the ground, reopening, by the shock, all His 
wounds,' and causing them to smart afresh. 

LET US PRAY. 

Thou didst fall again, O Meek and Humble 
Jesus, to expiate our repeated and shameful falls. 
How often hast Thou pardoned us ! Yet we have 
relapsed, with deep ingratitude, into the same ex- 
cesses. Give us grace, we beseech Thee, by 
virtue of this Thy Second Fall, to persevere faith- 
fully henceforth in Thy service to our latest breath. 

The Act of Contrition, &c., as on p. 210. 

Passing on to the eighth station, the choir chants, — 



THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS- 



219 



8. 

Vidit suum dulcem natum, 
Morientem, desolatum. 

Dum emisit Spiritum. 

8. 

Saw Her Son from judgment taken, 
Her Beloved in death forsaken, 
Till His Spirit forth He sent. 

THE EIGHTH STATION. 
V, AVe adore, 6zc. R. Because^ SfC. 

THE 3IYSTEHY. 

Jesus addresses the u'omen of Jei^usalem. 

Let us contemplate, how, Jesus, lifting up Flis 
eyes amidst the rabble who were savagely thirsting 
for His Blood, saw some holy women shedding 
tears. At the sight of them, forgetting His own 
unparalleled affliction. He exclaims. ''Daughters 
of Jerusalem, weep not for me, but for yourselves 
and for your children." 

LET rs PS AY. 

O Lord of Pity, we will lament over ourselves 
and over the misfortunes which we have brought 
upon ourselves by offending Thee. But we v\ ill 
also lament over Thee, from Whom v/e have ex- 
torted those tears, and Who hast so loved us as to 



220 THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



lay down Thy Life that we may be saved from 
eternal ruin. 

The Act of Contrition, &c., as on p. 210. 

Passing on to the ninth station, the choir chants, — 

9. 

Eia Mater, fons amoris, 
Me sentire vim doloris, 

Fac, ut tecum lugeam. 

9. 

Dearest Mother, plunged in sorrow, 
Let me of Thy grief now borrow ; 
Let me in Thy anguish share. 

THE NINTH STATION. 
F. We adore, &c. R. Because^ ^c, 

THE MYSTERY. 

Jesus falls under The Cross the third time. 

Let us contemplate, that, as Jesus had nearly 
reached the fatal spot, a noisy mob pressing upon 
Him from behind, His brutal executioners violently 
dragging Him on before, so weak has He become 
by the loss of blood which is streaming from His 
many wounds, and by the load of anguish which 
presses upon His soul, that, for the third time, He 
falls prostrate on the ground. 

LET us PRAY. 

O Compassionate Lord Jesus, we entreat Thee, 



THE STATIOXS OF THE CROSS. 



221 



by virtue of this third most painful fall, to pardon 
us our sins, our relapses, our long continuance in 
sin, our repeated infidelities to grace, and our neg- 
lect of Thy service, which we now promise to 
compensate for, by our fervor for the future. 

The Act of Contrition, &:c.. as on p. 210. 

Passing on to the tenth station, the choir chants, — 

10. 

Fac ut ardeat cor meum, 
In amando Christum Deum, 
Ut sibi complaceam. 

10. 

That my heart, fresh grace receiving, 
My Dear God and Savior loving, 

May free pardon from Him hear. 

THE TEXTH STATION. 
V. We adore, &c. R. Because, &fC, 

THE MYSTERY. 

Jesus is stripped of His clothes. 

Let us contemplate, that. The Divine Victim be- 
ing arrived at the place of sacrifice. His garments, 
' though sticking to His wounds, are violentlv torn 
off by His barbarous tormentors. Behold The 
Saint of Saints stripped in the sight of an obscene 
multitude, and standing covered with ignominy and 
shame. 

19^ 



222 



THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



LET US PRAY. 

O Most Chaste Lord Jesus, didst Thou thus ex- 
piate the impious deeds of men ? O, by that 
shame, more sensibly felt by Thee than all Thy 
other torments, give us grace to prevent, by timely 
repentance, the shame of that last and most ter- 
rible day when Thou wilt lay open to the gaze of 
men and of Angels all the turpitude of The repro- 
bate. 

The Act of Contrition, &c., as on p. 210. 

Passing on to the eleventh station, the choir chants, — 

11. 

Virgo Virgin um Prseclara, 
Mihi jam non sis amara, 

Fac me tecum plangere. 

11. 

Virgin First of Virgins Blessed, 
I'm with sins, alas ! oppressed ; 

Make me weep for them with Thee. 

THE ELEVENTH STATION. 
V, We adore, &;c. R. Because^ 8fc. 

THE MYSTERY. 

Jesus is nailed to The Cross, 

Let us contemplate, that, The Cross is laid on 
the ground and Jesus is stretched on His bed of 
death. He now offers His bruised limbs to His 



THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



223 



Heavenly Father in behalf of sinful man, and to 
His fierce executioners to be nailed by them to the 
wood of The Cross. The blows are struck ; the 
blood gushes forth ; and Jesus is nailed A Bleeding 
Victim on The Altar of The Cross. 

LET IJS PEAT. 

Most Holy and Adorable Victim of Salvation, 
Thou predestined Model of The Elect, nailed to 
The Cross to satisfy The Justice of Thy Eternal 
Father for the sins of mankind, compassionate our 
infirmity ; and, as Thou didst submit to be cruci- 
fied for our salvation, do grant us grace to crucify 
our rebellious will and our carnal desires, that thus 
we may be rendered worthy to inherit the glory to 
which Thy Redemption has obtained for us a title. 

The Act of Contrition, &c., as on p. 210. 

Passing on to the twelfth station, the choir chants, — 

12. 

Fac ut portem Christi mortem, 
Passionis fac consortem, 
Et plagas recolere. 

12. 

Make me feel Thy Son's sad sorrow, 
Make me of His death to borrow 
Merit from that Honored Tree. 

THE TWELFTH STATION, 
y. We adore, &c. E. Because, ^c. 



224 THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



THE MYSTERY. 

Jesus dies on The Cross. 

Let us contemplate, that, for three hours Jesus 
has hung upon The Cross. His Blood has run 
streaming down His Body, and bedewing the 
ground, and in the midst of the most excruciating 
agony He pardons His murderers, promises the 
bliss of Paradise to the repentant thief, and com- 
mits His Blessed Mother and Beloved Disciple to 
each other's care. All is now consummated ; and, 
meekly bowing down His head, He gives up The 
Ghost. 

Here all make the most profound reverence. 
LET US PRAY. 

O Heavenly and Most Holy Lord Jesus Christ, 
Thou Consubstantial Son of The Eternal Father, 
Thou, obedient to Thy Father's Will, even to The 
Death of The Cross, we adore Thee as our True 
Redeemer absorbed in death to save us poor, help- 
less sinners from eternal death. We devoutly 
venerate the mystery of The C^oss, on which 
Thou wert pleased to operate The Salvation of 
The World. We embrace that sacred emblem 
of Redemption; we pray that we may never be 
enumerated amongst those who are ashamed of 
The Cross. In it, through Thee, we place our 
hopes ; on it Thou didst prove Thyself to be fel- 
low-man with us. O, may we return Thee love for 
love : as Thou didst die that we might live, may we 



THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 225 



die to the world and to all sin and inordinate pas* 
sioH, that thus we may live to Thee, and finally 
resign our spirit in Thy Grace and Friendship, 
and thereby be entitled to enjoy those rewards in 
Heaven which Thou hast purchased for us by Thy 
Death upon The Cross. 

The Act of Contrition, &c., as on p. 210. 

Passing on to the thirteenth station, the choir chants, — 

13. 

Fac me plagis vulnerari, 
Cruce fac inebrial*!, 
Ob amorem Filii. 

13. 

Make me with His wounds be wounded, 
Never by His Cross confounded ; 
May His Love in me prevail. 

THE THIRTEENTH STATION. 
V, We adore, &c. J^. Because^ SfC, 

THE MYSTERY. 

Jesus is laid in the arms of His Blessed Mother, 

Let us contemplate, that, after Jesus died, the 
multitude left the heights of Calvary, terrified by 
the earthquake, the rending of the rocks, the open- 
ing of the graves, and the apparition of the dead, 
which, together with the universal darkness with 
which Nature covered herself while Jesus was in 
agony, proved that Indeed this man xoas The Son 



226 THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 

of God^^'' (St. Matt, xxvii. 54.) And now none re- 
main save The Beloved Disciple and the holy wo- 
men, who, at the foot of The Cross, are striving 
to mitigate the grief of The Mother of our 
Lord, when Joseph of Arimathea and Nicode- 
mus unfasten The Body of Her Divine Son and 
deposit it in Her arms. 

LET us PRAY, 

O Thou, Whose grief surpassed the grief of all 
that ever were afflicted, and yet their consolation, 
Mary ! Mary ! Mother of our Holy and Beloved 
Victim, whilst Thou lamentest and sighest over 
the bruised and mangled body of Thy Son, forget 
not us, for whom He suffered all this agony. Ob- 
tain for us of Him forgiveness for the injuries 
which we have inflicted on Him by our sins; com- 
passionate the wounds of our poor souls ; be Thou 
a Mother to us also ; take us under Thy Holy Pat- 
ronage, that, by Thy Powerful Intercession, we 
may obtain those graces of which we most stand 
in need. 

The Act of Contrition., &c., as on p. 210. 

Passing on to the fourteenth station, the choir chants, — 

14. 

Fac me cruce custodiri ; 
Morte Christi prsemuniri ; 
Confoveri gratia. 

14. 

May The Cross be my protection ; 



i^HE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



227 



May His Death be my Salvation ; 
May His Grace in me not fail. 

THE FOURTEENTH STATION. 
F. We adore, &c. R, Because^ Sfc^ 

THE MYSTERY, 

Jesus is laid in the sepulchre. 

hex us contemplate how the body of The Dearly 
Beloved Son of God is taken from the tender em- 
braces of His Mother and laid by the Disciples in 
the tomb. The tomb is closed ; and there, cold 
and motionless, lies the lifeless body of our Lord 
until the hour of its Glorious Resurrection comes. 

LET us PRAY. 

Adorable Lord Jesus, with the most firm Faith 
we believe in and adore Thy Sacred Humanity, 
united with The Divinity of The Godhead in Thy 
Sacred Person. The deeper Thy atxliction and 
humiliation which we commemorate, the greater is 
-the reason why we should love Thee and keep Thy 
Commandments. We know that we, too, shall have 
to descend into the grave whenever it shall please 
Thee, as it shall please Thee, and wheresoever it 
shall please Thee. May Thy just designs be 
fulfilled in our regard. Let our sinful bodies re- 
turn to their parent dust ; but do Thou, in Thy 
Mercy, receive our immortal souls. We know 



228 THE STATIONS OF THE CROSS. 



that Thou didst conquer death by Thy Glorious 
Resurrection, by which Thou didst prove Thyself 
God, as Thou didst prove Thyself man by Thy 
Death upon The Cross. And as Thou didst rise 
from the dead, so shall we also : and O, may our 
" Resurrection of the body " be unto " Life Ever- 
lasting " with Thee, Thy Blessed Mother, and 
Thy Saints, that we may love Thee, and bless 
Thee, and enjoy Thee in Thine Own Peaceful 
and Blessed Kingdom forevermore. R. Amen. 

The Act of Contrition, &c., as on p. 210. 

While passing into the Sanctuary, the choir chants, — 

15. 

Quando corpus morietur, 
Fac ut animse donetur 
, Para d is i gloria. 

15. 

When my body leaves this world, 
May my soul, no longer troubled, 
Find the joys of Paradise. 

The Litany of The Holy Name, on bended knees, may 
now be said ; after which, the Sermon, or other instruction ; 
and, when it can be, The Devotion should terminate with 
The Benediction of The Most Holy Sacrament. 



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